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Casualties unknown

Landing Gear Collapses After Pilot Mistakenly Raises Gear Handle (N6138V)

Macon, GA, US

On October 9, 1982, a Beech S35 (registration N6138V) operated by Larry E. Halbert was involved in an aviation accident near Macon, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot inadvertently raised the landing gear handle instead of the flap handle, and over-inflated struts prevented the squat switch from acting as a safety feature. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After landing, while turning on the runway, a pilot inadvertently raised the landing gear handle instead of the flap handle, causing the gear to collapse. Over-inflated struts prevented the squat switch from functioning as a safety feature.

Incident Details

Following a landing, the aircraft came to a stop on the runway. The pilot then executed a 180-degree turn to proceed toward a taxiway. During the turn, the landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to settle onto the runway surface.

Pilot Actions

The pilot reported that while cleaning up the cockpit after landing, he inadvertently raised the landing gear handle instead of the flap handle. This action retracted the gear while the aircraft was still on the ground, leading to its collapse.

Examination Findings

Subsequent examination of the aircraft revealed that the struts were over-inflated. This condition prevented the "squat" switch from acting as a safety feature that would normally prevent gear retraction while weight is on the wheels.

Probable cause

The pilot inadvertently raised the landing gear handle instead of the flap handle, and over-inflated struts prevented the squat switch from acting as a safety feature.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Oct 1982 Beech S35 accident near Macon, GA?

After landing, while turning on the runway, a pilot inadvertently raised the landing gear handle instead of the flap handle, causing the gear to collapse. Over-inflated struts prevented the squat switch from functioning as a safety feature.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Oct 1982 involved a Beech S35, registration N6138V, operated by Larry E. Halbert, at Macon, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot inadvertently raised the landing gear handle instead of the flap handle, and over-inflated struts prevented the squat switch from acting as a safety feature.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X04347. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.