On September 24, 1987, an Aero Commander 560-F (registration N61BT) was involved in an aviation accident near Opa Locka, FL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported completing a third touch-and-go landing when the landing gear collapsed. Post-accident inspection found the gear handle safety lock missing and no mechanical failure.
Incident Summary
A pilot reported that the landing gear collapsed while the aircraft was on the runway after completing his third touch-and-go landing. The incident occurred during what was described as a routine training maneuver.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that he had just finished his third touch-and-go landing when the gear collapsed. No further details from the pilot are available in the report.
Witness Observation
A pilot/mechanic who assisted in removing the aircraft from the runway stated that immediately after the accident, he looked into the cockpit and noticed that the landing gear handle safety lock was not in place. The same individual indicated that the pilot was known to conduct touch-and-go landings without the safety lock in place.
Examination Results
Following the incident, the landing gear was examined and no evidence of malfunction or failure was noted. The absence of the safety lock was observed but not explicitly determined to be the cause of the gear collapse in the source.