Event LAX03LA194

Factual narrative

On May 31, 2003, at 2000 Pacific daylight time, a Beech 35-B33, N5FL, sustained substantial damage during a gear up landing at Inyokern Airport (IYK), Inyokern, California. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and three passengers were not injured. The cross-country flight originated from Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO), Reno, Nevada, at 1800. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot reported that upon entering the Inyokern area, he announced via radio crossing midfield to enter left traffic for runway 20. During the descent to traffic pattern altitude (TPA) it was bumpy. He slowed the airplane to lower the gear (he thought he did) and entered downwind. The flaps were extended while turning from base to final. The airplane touched down and skidded to a stop at the left side of the runway. The pilot was unsure if he inadvertently moved the gear handle up, or didn't put it down, but felt he was responsible for the error either way. The gear handle was found in the up position. No mechanical malfunctions were noted with the airplane. The airplane sustained substantial damage during a gear up landing. The pilot entered the traffic pattern for the runway in turbulent conditions. He slowed the airplane and entered downwind. After turning from base to final, the airplane touched down and skidded to a stop at the left side of the runway. The pilot thought he had moved the gear handle to the down position; however, it was found in the up position after the accident. He said he was not sure if he simply forgot to lower the gear or accidentally bumped the handle to the up position in the turbulence. No mechanical malfunctions were noted with the airplane. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12