Summary
Because of a delay In commencing descent arising from communications difficulties, the pilot decided to lower
the undercarriage to Increase his rate of descent. He moved the selection to the "DOWN" position, and then
noted that the red undercarriage "UP" light was out. He did not check the green "DOWN" light for main
wheel Indication or the nosewheel mechanical indicator. The pilot was not aware that an electrical short
circuit prevented the lowering of the undercarriage or that It also denied him the benefit of the undercarriage
position lights. After entering the circuit area, the pilot again only checked that the undercarriage selector
was In the "DOWN" position and that the red "UP" undercarriage light was out. He approached to land in a
wind of 25-30 knots, with a relatively high power setting, which masked the audible warning device. Just
prior to touchdown the pilot throttled back and heard the warning horn but too late to Initiate a go around and
the aircraft settled to the runway with the undercarriage fully retracted. The aircraft slid for 300 feet before
coming to rest.
