NTSB Factual Report

On August 1, 2004, at 1647 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-24-260 (Comanche), N9394P, sustained substantial damage following a wheels up landing at Roberts Field Airport, Redmond, Oregon. The airplane, which is owned by the pilot, was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country flight under the provisions of Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The private pilot and two passengers aboard the airplane were not injured in the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross-country flight that originated at Tacoma Narrows (KTIW), Tacoma, Washington.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board IIC, on August 4, the pilot reported that he lowered the landing gear after entering the downwind for the landing runway. He stated that after lowering the gear, the "down and locked" indicator light illuminated confirming the gear was down. He further stated the landing flare was normal, however the airplane continued to settle, eventually landing with the gear in the up position.

Post accident evaluation of the landing gear system, to include a gear swing, revealed no anomalies that would have prevented the landing gear from fully extending to the down and locked position.

NTSB Probable Cause

Unknown malfunction of the landing gear system for undetermined reasons that resulted in a gear collapse during landing.