On July 21, 1982, a Beech E18S (registration N3606B) operated by Executive Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Fenton, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collapse of the landing gear upon touchdown, which was caused by a mechanical failure resulting from broken wires on the landing gear squat switch that disabled the retraction system. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft landed with gear down and locked, but the landing gear collapsed immediately upon touchdown due to disabled retraction system caused by broken wires on the squat switch.
What happened
The aircraft was reported to have its landing gear in the down and locked position prior to touchdown. A witness observed the gear remaining extended before the moment of impact, but noted that the gear collapsed immediately after the aircraft touched down on the runway.
Following the impact, a small engine fire broke out as a result of the crash. Fire department personnel arrived at the scene and successfully extinguished the fire.
The investigation
Examination of the aircraft revealed that broken wires were present on the landing gear squat switch. This electrical failure had disabled the landing gear retraction system, preventing normal operation of the mechanism.
Probable cause
The collapse of the landing gear upon touchdown, which was caused by a mechanical failure resulting from broken wires on the landing gear squat switch that disabled the retraction system.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 21 Jul 1982 Beech E18S accident near Fenton, MO?
Aircraft landed with gear down and locked, but the landing gear collapsed immediately upon touchdown due to disabled retraction system caused by broken wires on the squat switch.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Jul 1982 involved a Beech E18S, registration N3606B, operated by Executive Aviation, Inc., at Fenton, MO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The collapse of the landing gear upon touchdown, which was caused by a mechanical failure resulting from broken wires on the landing gear squat switch that disabled the retraction system.
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