NTSB Factual Report

On February 25, 2017, about 1115 eastern standard time, a Socata TB20, N2519T, was substantially damaged during landing at Melbourne International Airport (MLB), Melbourne, Florida. The private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the flight, which departed Key West International Airport (EYW), Key West, Florida, about 1012. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

The pilot reported that during his cross-country flight he noticed the alternator warning light flashed and the battery began to discharge. He contacted air traffic control but did not declare an emergency. He began a slow descent and initiated emergency gear procedures to extend the landing gear. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to extend the landing gear, the pilot performed a gear-up landing.

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the main gear was extended but not fully locked. The nose gear did not extend and remained in the wheel well. Further examination revealed that the bottom bulkhead was damaged.