# NTSB CEN09CA439: Piper PA-28R-201, N3714T, West Chicago, IL, July 14, 2009

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: July 14, 2009, 13:27 local (18:27 UTC)
- Place: West Chicago, IL
- Coordinates: 41.906944, -88.248054 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.9069&lon=-88.2481&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Landing: Landing gear not configured](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/095)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 30, 2009
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Central Region
- Parties: Federal Aviation Administration
- NTSB case key (mKey): 74275
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN09CA439
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/74275/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=74275
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA439

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear resulting in a wheels-up landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot being distracted by mowers near the approach end of the runway.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Landing gear system: gear extension and retract sys](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023230): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Not used/operated (probable cause); cases with it: [All aircraft, 416 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023230/cases.md)
- [Action: forgotten action/omission](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041035): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [All aircraft, 440 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041035/cases.md)
- [Attention/monitoring: attention](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021510): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [All aircraft, 226 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021510/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Approach-VFR pattern final: Miscellaneous/other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900); cases with it: [All aircraft, 1,556 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md)
- [Landing: Landing gear not configured](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/095) (defining event); cases with it: [All aircraft, 584 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/095/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The pilot reported that he was performing a practice engine-out short approach as part of his pattern work. He went through his pre-landing checklist on downwind and noticed tractor mowers near the runway. During the approach he divided his attention between the "aimpoint," airspeed, and tractors next to the runway and "failed" to put the landing gear down. The airplane landed wheels up on the runway and was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions associated with the airplane.

## Factual narrative

The pilot reported that he was doing a practice engine-out short approach as part of his pattern work. He went through his "GUMPS" checklist on downwind and noticed mowers near the runway. During the approach he divided his attention between the "aimpoint, airspeed, and tractors" next to the runway and "failed" to put the landing gear down. The airplane landed wheels up on the runway and was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions associated with the airplane reference the accident flight.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N3714T (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28R-201
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2844104
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-C1C6 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Illinois Avaition Academy Inc.
- Registered owner: Midwest Aviation LLC
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: DPA, West Chicago, IL
- Destination: DPA, West Chicago, IL
- Flight plan: Unknown
- Airport: DPA, DuPage Airport, runway 20L

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; seat: left; flight hours: 950 total, 203 in this make and model, 749 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.10 inHg
- Observed at: DPA

## Docket (1 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on August 18, 2009, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=74275. 6.9 MB in all.

- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 6.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40316562&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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