Probable cause
The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear during landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to use a pre-landing checklist.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while in the pattern practicing touch and go landings, he forgot to extend the landing gear and that he landed with the landing gear retracted. Subsequently, the airplane slid down the runway before it came to rest. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage. The pilot indicated that he did not use a pre-landing checklist.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA237 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 31, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Thermal, California
- Nearest airport
- Jacqueline Cochran Rgnl (TRM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna R182
- N-number
- N2658C
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1978
- 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.