19970727027379I

Narrative: Mr. Kelley stated he intended to fly his CJ-6A from his private airport, bradford field, NC to oshkosh, wis. With fuel stops at london, KY and Kokomo, ind. He said he obtained a weather briefing in NC. And again in london, KY. Fss indicated no severe weather on his route of flight. Approximately 75 miles south of Kokomo Mr. Kelley began noticing thunderstorms along his flight path but he stated he was able to remain on course. Mr. Kelley stated he attempted to contact Kokomo UNICOM 12 miles s. of the airport and there was no response from the FBO. However he heard another aircraft stating his intentions to land on runway 23 at Kokomo. As he approached the airport Mr. Kelley stated he entered heavy rain but was able to maintain ground contact. He then noticed he was over the airport and the windsock indicated the wind was directly down rwy 32. Mr. Kelley further stated that considering the deteriorating weather conditions and the gusting winds and turbulence his best course of action was to land on rwy 32 as quickly as possible. He stated he thought he had put the landing gear down and the aircraft felt as if it had slowed accordingly. He stated that his ground speed on his loran indicated 72 knots. He stated that when he turned final he realized that he was close to the runway and high fast but considering the weather he elected to continue the approach. He stated that he became engrossed in flying the aircraft and failed to notice the several indications that the gear was not down. A gear up landing was made with very little damage to the aircraft. When Mr. Kelley was asked if he had considered holding to the west of Kokomo to let the weather pass he stated that he became intent upon landing, however ten minutes after the gear up landing the thunderstorm had moved off and the skies had cleared.