N505EA

On September 3, 2005, at 1152 mountain daylight time, an Eclipse Aviation Corporation 500, N505EA, serial number 005, operated by Eclipse Aviation, was substantially damaged when it landed gear up at Albuquerque International Sunport Airport (ABQ), Albuquerque, New Mexico. The two commercial pilots sustained no injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight was being operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with a visual flight rules flight plan. The local test flight originated at ABQ approximately 1030.

According to the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) submitted by the pilot, he stated, "we executed two normal touch and go landings, using the approach and landing checklist on downwind". He stated that these takeoffs and landings were uneventful. while on downwind for runway 03, he was asked by the air traffic control tower to "fly a short approach for spacing." During the shortened approach, the pilot deviated from his normal checklist habit pattern and he admitted that he "forgot to lower the landing gear and complete the landing checklist." Due to the developmental nature of the Eclipse 500, the landing gear warning system was not operational at the time of the accident and the pilot was not warned of his configuration prior to landing. While the airplane was skidding to a stop on the runway, the pilot shut down both engines. Post accident examination by an FAA inspector revealed substantial damage to the bottom of the composite fuselage.