Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to extend the landing gear before landing, resulting in a gear up landing and substantial damage to the airplane’s belly.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while entering the airport traffic pattern, he became distracted by other air traffic. He stated that he failed to utilize his before-landing check list and did not extend the airplane’s landing gear. The pilot landed the airplane with the landing gear retracted, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the underside of the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR22LA373 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 18, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Avalon, California
- Nearest airport
- Catalina (KAVX)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 177RG
- N-number
- N52946
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1977
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.