On December 21, 1982, a Beech E33 (registration N7873R) operated by Central Flying Service Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Little Rock, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot stated that he may have activated the wrong switch. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During the landing roll, all three landing gear retracted as the pilot applied brakes. Investigation found the gear handle down with popped circuit breaker. The pilot had limited experience in the aircraft and stated he may have activated the wrong switch.
Incident Summary
During the landing roll, as the pilot was applying brakes to turn off at the first exit, all three landing gear retracted. The aircraft came to rest on its belly.
Investigation Findings
FAA inspectors examined the aircraft and found the landing gear handle in the down position, but the circuit breaker for the landing gear was popped. The flaps were found in the full down position.
Pilot Experience and Statement
The pilot had accumulated only 6 hours in this make and model of aircraft. Most of his flight time was in Cessna aircraft, which have a flap handle located in approximately the same position as the landing gear handle in this Beech aircraft. The pilot stated that he may have activated the wrong switch.
Probable cause
The pilot stated that he may have activated the wrong switch.