I fly a Lancair 360

 

"There are those that have and those who will"  Two categories of retractable gear pilots.

 

Unfortunately I belong to the first category.  It was a beautiful landing without the wheels. I did not damage the pitot head.  Inboard flap damage, bottom of the rudder, scuffed belly pan, oh and did I mention the rebuilt engine and new propellor!  That was where it really hurt, in my pocket.

 

I wondered what that noise was as I landed, I thought it was a flat tire, wish it had been.  The propellor left its marks right on the centre line markings and the aircraft slewed slightly as it stopped.  Total non event and I estimate maybe 600feet of runway used.  Had to persaude the fire crew not to cover me and the plane in foam and really do some damage.  Oh, my passenger barely noticed but seemed suprised that we had to walk back to the hangar.

 

What did I learn?  Focus on the business in hand and not talking to your passenger on final approach.

 

Will I do it again?  I am a lot more careful now but given the right set of circumstances and distractions it could happen.  The cost of the engine repair is ever before my eyes.

 

But as a learning experience I got to experience an event you never would in the normal course of flying.  This sets me up to say that I would never be reluctant to attempt a gear up landing if it was a preferable option.

 

Ian B.  Crowe
LNC 2 C-FKRO