On July 14, 1985, a Beech 95-A55 (registration N1522Z) operated by Charles R.verbel was involved in an aviation accident near Salina, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to correctly identify and operate the flap control during a go-around, resulting in the inadvertent retraction of the landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a multi-engine flight check, the pilot mistakenly retracted the landing gear instead of raising flaps while executing a go-around after landing.
What happened
The pilot was undergoing a multi-engine flight check conducted by a designated flight examiner. The aircraft had just completed a landing and was still rolling on the runway when the examiner requested that the pilot execute a go-around. In response to this instruction, the pilot advanced the throttles to initiate the climb. However, while reaching for the flap control switch, he inadvertently operated the landing gear switch instead. As a result, the landing gear retracted while the aircraft was still on the ground.
The investigation
The incident was examined based on the pilot's statement regarding the sequence of events during the training exercise. The primary finding was the confusion between the flap and landing gear controls during the critical phase of the go-around maneuver.
Findings
Multi-engine flight check
Go-around execution error
Control confusion
Landing gear retraction on ground
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to correctly identify and operate the flap control during a go-around, resulting in the inadvertent retraction of the landing gear.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 14 Jul 1985 Beech 95-A55 accident near Salina, KS?
During a multi-engine flight check, the pilot mistakenly retracted the landing gear instead of raising flaps while executing a go-around after landing.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Jul 1985 involved a Beech 95-A55, registration N1522Z, operated by Charles R.verbel, at Salina, KS.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to correctly identify and operate the flap control during a go-around, resulting in the inadvertent retraction of the landing gear.
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