Casualties unknown

Aircraft Lands with Gear Retracted After Warning Sounds (N6012P)

Navato, CA, US

On March 28, 1985, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N6012P) was involved in an aviation accident near Navato, CA. 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 landed with the landing gear retracted after the gear warning sounded during throttle reduction. Investigation found a tripped circuit breaker and inoperative gear indication due to a burned wire.

Incident Overview

A recent incident involved an aircraft that landed with its landing gear retracted. According to the pilot's statement, as he reduced the throttle for landing, the landing gear warning horn sounded. The pilot applied power in response, but the aircraft touched down with a scraping noise. The pilot noted that he did not recall seeing a green light indicating the gear was down and locked.

Investigation Findings

Post-incident inspection revealed that the circuit breaker for the landing gear motor was tripped. Additionally, the landing gear indication system was found to be inoperative due to a burned wire that resulted in an open circuit. The specific cause of the wire damage was not detailed in the investigation.

Pilot Account

The pilot reported that during the landing approach, he retarded the throttle, at which point the gear warning horn activated. Despite applying power, the aircraft made contact with the runway surface, producing a scraping sound. The pilot could not confirm seeing a green gear-down indication light.

Technical Details

The investigation confirmed two separate issues: a tripped circuit breaker affecting the landing gear motor, and an open circuit in the gear indication wiring caused by a burned wire. These factors prevented the landing gear from extending and the cockpit indication from functioning properly.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X35974. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.