What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1984-10-23 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N24UE, at Williston, FL.

Touch-and-Go Landing Leads to Gear Retraction and Fire (N24UE)

On October 23, 1984, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N24UE) was involved in an aviation accident near Williston, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The left seat pilot inadvertently retracted the landing gear instead of the flaps during a touch-and-go landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During touch-and-go landings, a pilot inadvertently retracted the landing gear instead of flaps. The aircraft bounced, slid off the runway, and caught fire. The instructor-rated pilot completed the landing after the bounce.

Incident Description

An aviation incident occurred during touch-and-go landing practice on Runway 04. According to statements from the pilots, the left-seat pilot was conducting the maneuvers. On the final landing, after touchdown, the pilot added full power and retracted the flaps but inadvertently retracted the landing gear. The aircraft subsequently struck the runway, bounced approximately 25 to 50 feet into the air, slid off the runway, and caught fire.

Pilot Statements

The left-seat pilot stated that he was performing touch-and-go landings on Runway 04. He reported that on the last landing, he touched down, then added full power and retracted the flaps, but inadvertently retracted the landing gear. The instructor-rated pilot and registered owner in the right seat stated that after the aircraft initially bounced, he completed the landing.

Outcome

The aircraft slid off the runway and caught fire. No further details about injuries or damage were provided in the source.

Probable cause

The left seat pilot inadvertently retracted the landing gear instead of the flaps during a touch-and-go landing.

1984-10-23: Piper PA-23-250 (N24UE) — Williston, FL