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Casualties unknown

1982-08-12: Beech 58 (N7239R) — Balco Mechanical Cont., Inc. — Birmingham, AL

Birmingham, AL, US

On August 12, 1982, a Beech 58 (registration N7239R) operated by Balco Mechanical Cont., Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Birmingham, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent retraction of the landing gear during the landing roll, facilitated by the adjacent placement of the flap and gear handles. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that the landing gear retracted or collapsed during the landing roll, despite a normal touchdown and short rollout distance.

What happened

The pilot reported that the aircraft touched down normally. During the subsequent landing roll, which lasted approximately 300 to 500 feet, the landing gear unexpectedly retracted or collapsed.

The investigation

Following the incident, the entire landing gear system was subjected to a ground check. Inspectors found that the system functioned normally during these tests. Additionally, it was discovered that the aircraft flaps were positioned in the one-half extended setting.

Findings

In this specific aircraft model, the flap and gear control handles are located adjacent to each other. This proximity likely contributed to the incident.

Probable cause

The pilot's inadvertent retraction of the landing gear during the landing roll, facilitated by the adjacent placement of the flap and gear handles.

Related events

Same aircraft family

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02808. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.