Casualties unknown

Gear-Up Landing at Hillenbrand Airport Following Thunderstorm Evasion (N73KA)

Batesville, IN, US

On September 8, 1987, a Beech 100 (registration N73KA) operated by Preister Aviation Service was involved in an aviation accident near Batesville, IN. 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 a retractable-gear aircraft with the gear retracted at Hillenbrand Airport after expediting the approach due to an approaching thunderstorm; substantial damage occurred.

Incident Overview

During an approach to Hillenbrand Airport, the pilot observed a thunderstorm cell moving toward the airport. The pilot decided to expedite the landing sequence. Throughout the approach, the landing gear was never placed in the extended position. Despite believing that he had lowered the landing gear, the pilot later stated that he was "very busy" during the approach and that his attention was "focused" outside the aircraft during the landing phase.

Landing and Damage

The aircraft touched down with its landing gear in the retracted position, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. The extent of the damage included structural components of the aircraft, but no further details are provided in the report.

Pilot Statement

The pilot acknowledged that he thought he had extended the landing gear but attributed the oversight to the high workload and external focus required during the final approach. The report does not elaborate on any other contributing factors or circumstances leading to the incident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32037. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.