Casualties unknown

Landing Gear Warning Horn Failure Leads to Wheels-Up Landing (N13GM)

Ft. Pierce, FL, US

On April 12, 1983, a Cessna 402B (registration N13GM) was involved in an aviation accident near Ft. Pierce, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain proper configuration for landing due to an inoperative warning horn and his lack of multi-engine qualifications. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot without multi-engine qualifications landed with wheels up after the warning horn failed, despite the gear operating correctly.

What happened

The aircraft was landed with the landing gear retracted. Following the incident, the pilot reported that he never heard the landing gear warning horn operate during the approach and landing sequence.

The investigation

A post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed that the landing gear mechanism itself operated properly. However, the investigation determined that the landing gear warning horn was inoperative at the time of the accident.

Findings

The pilot held a single-engine rating only and did not possess a current medical certificate. Consequently, he was not qualified to act as pilot in command on this multi-engine aircraft.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain proper configuration for landing due to an inoperative warning horn and his lack of multi-engine qualifications.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42765. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.