Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 10; Flight Crew Total 684; Flight Crew Type 69
Distraction; Fatigue
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Gear Up Landing
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Human Factors
I landed gear-up. During my approach; I completed other checklist items including flap setting; trim; fuel pump; etc.; but failed to lower the landing gear. During the approach phase; I think that there were a few factors that contributed to my failure to lower the landing gear; as well as notice on final approach that the landing that the gear was not extended. I had been flying [for 7 hours]; and had a fairly busy afternoon and evening - by the time I had begun my approach into [the airport]; I was fairly fatigued. Additionally; I do not recall hearing the landing gear warning sound; which might have contributed to a subconscious false security that I must have already lowered the gear. My approach was somewhat abnormal as well; due to the fact that I had a late descent to the airport; and again; subconsciously I might have made the assumption that I had lowered the gear since the flaps were already extended in an effort to slow the aircraft. I believe my level of fatigue was the primary cause for my lack of awareness during the approach and landing. I cannot explain why I did not complete my Landing Checklist; other than the sum of all of the aforementioned factors helped instill a certain complacency. In all; the mishap could have easily been avoided through several measures: Better awareness of my fatigue level; and bringing back the basics of the IMSAFE checklist [and] ensuring a well-rested state before flying. Better approach and landing CRM; with thorough checklist usage throughout [and] improved proactive cockpit scan to include lack of a landing gear indication. Recognizing and avoiding abnormal flight situations that increase safety risk. Consistently practice [in my] safe landing gear habits; including confirming that gear is extended more than once.
The pilot of a Mooney M20 landed with the gear up but does not recall hearing the gear warning horn. The aircraft was not substantial damaged.