On August 16, 1989, a Beech 18 (registration N5724M) was involved in an aviation accident near Greenwood, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to verify the landing gear position before touchdown, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent separation of an engine. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot attempted a go-around during final approach, perceiving low altitude. The aircraft settled onto the runway with the landing gear retracted, causing one engine to tear loose upon impact.
What happened
The pilot reported that prior to landing, he lowered the landing gear handle and confirmed that all three gear position lights indicated the wheels were down and locked. During the flare phase of the approach, the pilot perceived his altitude above the runway to be lower than normal. In response, he applied power to initiate a go-around. However, the aircraft settled back onto the runway instead of climbing. Upon impact, one of the engines tore loose from the aircraft.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed that the landing gear was in the up position at the time of touchdown, despite the pilot's earlier observation of the down-and-locked lights.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to verify the landing gear position before touchdown, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent separation of an engine.