Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to extend the landing gear before landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while on final approach, he believed he had lowered the landing gear. He stated that during the landing, the touchdown was light and he did not realize there was an issue until he heard the lower fuselage grinding against the asphalt runway. He stated that the accident could have been prevented by confirming that the landing gear was extended and locked on short final. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA308 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 15, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Norton Shores, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Muskegon County (MKG)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Mitsubishi MU-2B-40
- N-number
- N5LC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1980
- 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.