On April 20, 1989, a Beech A55 (registration N6866Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Arlington, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The owner's inadvertent retraction of the landing gear while the aircraft was on the ground during a maintenance test flight, which led to a post-impact fire that destroyed the aircraft. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a maintenance test flight, the owner of the aircraft raised the landing gear handle while the plane was still on the ground. The gear retracted, the aircraft slid to a stop, and a fire destroyed it.
What happened
The owner, who is an experienced pilot, accompanied the pilot in command (PIC) to assist with a maintenance test flight. During the operation, the PIC was executing a touch-and-go landing maneuver. While the aircraft remained on the ground, the owner raised the landing gear handle. This action caused the landing gear to retract while the wheels were still in contact with the runway surface.
The aircraft settled onto its belly and slid along the ground until it came to a stop. A fire subsequently erupted from the wreckage. The incident resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft.
Probable cause
The owner's inadvertent retraction of the landing gear while the aircraft was on the ground during a maintenance test flight, which led to a post-impact fire that destroyed the aircraft.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 20 Apr 1989 Beech A55 accident near Arlington, WA?
During a maintenance test flight, the owner of the aircraft raised the landing gear handle while the plane was still on the ground. The gear retracted, the aircraft slid to a stop, and a fire destroyed it.
Were there any fatalities in the 20 Apr 1989 Beech A55 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Apr 1989 involved a Beech A55, registration N6866Q, at Arlington, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The owner's inadvertent retraction of the landing gear while the aircraft was on the ground during a maintenance test flight, which led to a post-impact fire that destroyed the aircraft.
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