Probable cause
The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear before landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during a simulated instrument approach he forgot to extend the airplane’s landing gear. The airplane subsequently touched down on the runway and the fuselage and wings were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA332 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 1, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Coolidge, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Coolidge Municipal Airport (P08)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-34-200T
- N-number
- N440DM
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1975
- 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.