Factual Report: Distracted Pilot Makes Gear-up Landing

Socata TBM700, Memphis, Tenn., Jan. 26, 2010–After approaching the destination airport near dusk in deteriorating weather, the pilot forgot to lower the landing gear before landing, causing substantial damage to the aircraft’s fuselage skin, stringers and wing attachment fittings. The single-engine turboprop’s landing-gear configuration warning system activated, but the pilot told investigators he mistook it for another warning indicator. The pilot also stated that in his attempt to land before darkness, he neglected to use his customary pre-landing checklist. The pilot and passenger were uninjured in the accident.