Amateur-built Risen SV N817D accident near Carson City, Nevada

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear prior to landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was conducting a maintenance test flight and had conducted several landings, all of which were uneventful. During the final approach to land, he thought he had lowered the landing gear but did not confirm whether the gear-down advisory lights were illuminated. He subsequently landed the airplane with the landing gear retracted, which resulted in substantial damage to the lower fuselage composite structure.

The pilot reported no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot added that the LED gear-down advisory lights were not very bright and that sunlight made them difficult to see.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA057 for the full record.