Casualties unknown

Landing Gear Warning Horn Disarmed During Night Approach Leads to Belly Landing and Passenger Injuries (N137WW)

Santa Barbara, CA, US

On October 31, 1986, a Fairchild Swearingen SA-226TC (registration N137WW) operated by Wings West Airlines, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Barbara, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

On a dark night in CAVU weather, the captain directed the first officer to disarm the landing gear warning horn. The gear was not lowered, resulting in a belly landing. Propeller fragments caused serious leg and minor facial lacerations to two passengers.

Incident Overview

During a dark night with CAVU weather conditions, the captain instructed the first officer, who was the pilot flying, to pull the circuit breaker to disarm the landing gear warning horn system. The first officer complied without challenging the directive.

Sequence of Events

On final approach, the first officer did not verify that the command to lower the landing gear was executed, and the captain failed to lower the gear. The aircraft subsequently slid to a stop on its belly. During this occurrence, the right engine's three propeller blades fragmented and punctured the passenger compartment.

Injuries

Two passengers seated in row 2, adjacent to the plane of rotation of the propeller blades, were struck by fragments. They received serious leg lacerations and minor facial lacerations.

Probable Cause

The source does not provide a stated probable cause.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X34975. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.