Yesterday afternoon while flying Legacy N26XY (with about 17 hours to date), power and speed were reduced to explore the lower speed range of the airplane. Was at 4,500 MSL, smooth air.

As the airplane decelerated thru 89 knots TAS, once or twice a sound was heard that can best be described as a door closing shut firmly. It sounded like a landing gear door being slapped against the fuselage/cowling by the slip stream. However, the gear was retracted.

Opening the throttle and increasing speed eliminated the noise. The slapping sound, like a door closing firmly, did not reoccur. The noise occurred only once or twice per event. I proceeded to repeat the flight conditions, and the same thing happened: As the airplane decelerated to below 90 knots with the gear retracted and no flaps extended, just like the first time, the noise was heard again two or three times over about 6 or 7 seconds. The throttle was advanced and the noise did not repeat itself.

I reduced the throttle and lowered the landing gear and allowed the airplane to decelerate again. Same thing happened with the gear extended, (no flaps). A sound much like I imagine would be made if a gear door was swinging loose in the slipstream and occasionally hitting the wing skin or cowling. Advancing the throttle and retracting the gear was normal and the noise did not reoccur.

Returned for a normal landing.

In the hangar, the gear and doors were examined only to find them all attached firmly as they have been from the beginning. Nothing is loose, no sign of anything striking the cowl or lower wing skins.

Anyone had any similar experience?  Would appreciate any commentary on the situation and their findings in this regard.

Thanks all.

Jay M. Sabot