On December 15, 1983, a Beech 35 (registration N444D) was involved in an aviation accident near Lake City, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The extension system had failed, preventing normal extension of the nose gear. 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.
During landing at Lake City, the nose gear of an aircraft collapsed after the pilot reported a crack during retraction post-takeoff. The gear had only partially extended despite multiple attempts. Maintenance later confirmed a failure in the extension system.
Incident Sequence
A pilot reported hearing a crack while the landing gear was retracting after takeoff. The pilot then moved the gear handle back to the down position and proceeded to Lake City. After performing several low passes over the airport, the control tower confirmed that the nose gear was only partially extended. Despite all attempts to extend the gear fully, the nose gear failed to deploy correctly. During the landing roll, the nose gear collapsed.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the accident, maintenance personnel examined the aircraft and determined that the extension system had failed, which prevented normal extension of the nose gear. No other details about the aircraft or injuries were provided in the source.
Probable cause
The extension system had failed, preventing normal extension of the nose gear.
What happened in the 15 Dec 1983 Beech 35 accident near Lake City, FL?
During landing at Lake City, the nose gear of an aircraft collapsed after the pilot reported a crack during retraction post-takeoff. The gear had only partially extended despite multiple attempts. Maintenance later confirmed a failure in the extension system.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Dec 1983 involved a Beech 35, registration N444D, at Lake City, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The extension system had failed, preventing normal extension of the nose gear.
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