SEA02LA043

The pilot reported that he was practicing short field landings. On the fourth landing, the pilot stated that he neglected to lower the landing gear, and to check the status of the landing gear. He stated that when the propeller contacted the ground he attemped to lower the landing gear, but it did not have time to extend. The pilot reported no prior mechanical malfunction or failure of the aircraft.

On February 26, 2002, at 1400 Pacific standard time, a Beech G35 Bonanza, N168B, sustained substantial damage during an inadvertent gear-up landing at Beckers Landing (WN18), a private airstrip near Anacortes, Washington. The airplane is owned by the pilot, and was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal pleasure flight under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the local flight. The flight originated at the accident airstrip approximately 30 minutes prior to the accident.

The pilot reported that he was practicing short field landings on the 1,700-foot turf runway. He stated that on his fourth landing, "I neglected my routine of raising nose, lowering gear on downwind...neglected my final gear down check." He further stated when the propeller contacted the ground, he attempted to put the landing gear down, but there was not enough time for it to extend.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and nose gear tunnel.

A weather observation at Whidbey Naval Air Station (KNUW), 12 nautical miles southwest of the accident site, reported at 1355 Pacific standard time, winds from 330 degrees at 7 knots, and visibility 7 statue miles with a few clouds at 3000 feet.

The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction or failure on the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report Form 6120.1/2.