On July 22, 1983, a Beech B200 (registration N153GC) was involved in an aviation accident near Winston Salem, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A mechanical failure during gear retraction that resulted in smoke in the cabin and a partially extended landing gear, for which no specific cause was identified. 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.
A pilot experienced smoke in the cabin during gear retraction and was forced to make an emergency landing with partially extended landing gear due to a mechanical failure.
What happened
During the process of retracting the landing gear, the pilot noticed a cracking sound followed by smoke entering the cabin. The situation was temporarily alleviated by activating the rear vent blower. However, the emergency gear handle failed to engage properly. Consequently, the pilot executed an emergency landing with the landing gear partially extended.
The investigation
Post-accident examination revealed that the right gear door had closed before the gear retraction was complete. This premature closure caused the gear motor to overheat due to excessive strain. Investigators were unable to determine the root cause of this sequential malfunction.
Probable cause
A mechanical failure during gear retraction that resulted in smoke in the cabin and a partially extended landing gear, for which no specific cause was identified.
