On November 15, 1987, a Beech D18S (registration N802H) operated by Lanai Bird Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Mokuleia, HI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure the landing gear was fully extended and locked prior to takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft experienced nose gear collapse shortly after beginning takeoff roll due to gear being left in the up position despite normal preflight checks.
What happened
The pilot reported conducting a standard preflight inspection prior to departure. As the aircraft accelerated down the runway for takeoff, it traveled approximately 200 to 250 feet before the nose gear suddenly collapsed. The aircraft came to a stop with significant damage concentrated on the nose section, propellers, and engines.
The investigation
A subsequent inspection of the aircraft revealed that the landing gear lever was found in the up position. Despite this configuration during the accident sequence, the landing gear system operated normally during a functional check performed after the incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure the landing gear was fully extended and locked prior to takeoff.