N58135

Substantial
None

MOONEY M20JS/N: 24-1567

Accident Details

Date
Friday, March 23, 2012
NTSB Number
ERA12CA247
Location
Butler, PA
Event ID
20120323X60614
Coordinates
40.776390, -79.951110
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to extend the landing gear before landing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
MOONEY
Serial Number
24-1567
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1986
Model / ICAO
M20JM20P
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
M20J

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
PETTICREW TRAVIS R
Address
280 FARMS RD
City
MCKINNEY
State / Zip Code
TX 75071-4158
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot stated that after departure he proceeded to the local practice area then elected to return. Two airplanes were in the traffic pattern and a third airplane was about 10 miles to the east inbound. In order to sequence with the 2 airplanes in the pattern and the third airplane on the extended downwind, he entered the traffic pattern close to the approach end of the intended runway rather than midfield downwind. He lowered the flaps, but “…failed to lower the gear at the ‘key’ point….” He turned onto base where he extended full flaps then turned onto final approach. While on final approach he had a sense that the airplane was fast, but did not detect that the landing gear was retracted. He continued the approach and sensed that the sight picture was lower than usual, but did not recall hearing the landing gear warning horn. He heard the propeller contact the runway and attempted to lower the landing gear but it was too late. He heard the landing gear warning horn after the airplane came to rest. Postaccident inspection of the airplane revealed a main stringer and leading edge rib inside the right wing were damaged.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA12CA247