Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 2; Flight Crew Total 672; Flight Crew Type 439
Human-Machine Interface
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged
Aircraft; Human Factors
Departed on Runway 27; climbed to approximately 1;400 FT and then engine developed popping noise. Upon hearing this noise; made a 180 degree turn and lined myself up with Runway 09. Airspeed was in excess for landing at that time. Reduced RPM's and lowered flaps and corrected for crosswind from the north. [We] neglected to lower landing gear. Aircraft skidded to a stop on Runway 09. [We] notified the FBO that my airplane was extending well into the runway so that they could warn any additional landing aircraft. Then proceeded to help FBO to lift plane up on gear and tow back to hangar.
M20 pilot experiences a popping noise shortly after takeoff and turns back to land opposite direction on the departure runway. The landing gear is not extended and a gear up landing ensues.