Casualties unknown

Generator and Fuel Pressure Warnings Precede Landing Gear and Flap Malfunction During Precautionary Landing (N806BA)

Port Angeles, WA, US

On November 17, 1987, a Beech 99-A (registration N806BA) was involved in an aviation accident near Port Angeles, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The captain selected the engine start switch instead of the auto ignition switch, causing loss of both generators. 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

Both generator and fuel pressure lights illuminated during flight. During precautionary landing, flaps inoperative, nose gear failed to extend. Aircraft veered left on landing. Captain's first flight in A-model; probable cause: incorrect switch selection.

Incident Overview

During a flight, both generator lights and the left and right fuel pressure lights illuminated on the annunciator panel. The crew decided to return to the airport for a precautionary landing. While approaching the airport, the annunciator panel lights began to flicker.

Sequence of Events

When the crew selected landing flaps, the flaps did not operate. The landing gear was lowered, and three green indicators confirmed gear down; however, the nose gear did not fully extend. During the landing rollout, directional control was lost, and the aircraft veered to the left of the runway.

Aircraft Differences

The flight was the captain's first in the A-model aircraft, having previously flown the C-model. In the A-model, the positions of the auto ignition and engine start generator switches are reversed compared to the C-model configuration.

Probable Cause

Investigators determined that it is probable that the captain had selected the engine start switch, which operates on battery power, instead of the auto ignition switch. This selection caused the loss of both generators, leading to the electrical anomalies and subsequent malfunctions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32635. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.