Piper PA 46-350P N462HP accident near Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to extend the landing gear before landing due to distraction and failure to conduct the before landing checklist.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that while on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, he deviated from his normal procedure of applying 10° flaps and extending the landing gear mid field in order to expedite his landing due to additional traffic approaching the airport. He added that while on base leg, he moved a personal electronic device (PED) from his lap to the dash. While on an approximate 1mile final for the runway, as he reached for the landing gear handle, the airplane encountered an “air pocket bump,” and the PED fell and struck his hand. He stated that in his mind, he thought he had extended the landing gear and flaps, however, he did not verify that the three green landing gear indicator lights were illuminated. Subsequently, the airplane landed gear-up, and slid off the right side of the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to the lower 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 WPR25LA293 for the full record.