Casualties unknown

Landing Gear Collapse After Touchdown Following Extension Difficulties (N9604R)

Jackson, MS, US

On September 13, 1989, a Beech G18S (registration N9604R) was involved in an aviation accident near Jackson, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO CORRECTLY PERFORM THE EMERGENCY GEAR EXTENSION PROCEDURES. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FAILURE OF THE NORMAL GEAR EXTENSION SYSTEM. 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

A pilot lowered the landing gear selector on approach but the gear did not extend. Emergency extension was unsuccessful. After a low pass for visual confirmation the gear appeared down, the aircraft landed and the gear collapsed. Examination found a failed dynamic brake relay.

Incident Sequence

On approach to land, the pilot moved the landing gear selector handle to the down position. The landing gear did not extend. The flight departed the airport traffic area while the pilot attempted to lower the gear using the emergency extension procedures, but was unable to do so.

The pilot then performed a low approach past the tower for confirmation of the gear position. Tower personnel advised that the gear appeared to be down. The flight returned for landing. After touchdown, the landing gear collapsed.

Post-Incident Examination

After the incident, while the aircraft was being raised from the runway, the pilot was asked to lower the gear via the emergency method. The pilot was unable to complete the extension because he released the clutch while cranking the gear down. The correct procedure required holding the clutch in during cranking.

An examination of the aircraft revealed a failure of the dynamic brake relay. The purpose of this relay was to prevent coasting of the gear motor and gears by momentarily reversing the motor when the up limit was reached. The failure prevented the relay from performing this function. The failed component was replaced, after which the landing gear operated normally.

Findings

The source did not provide an explicit probable cause statement. The dynamic brake relay failure was identified and the component replaced, restoring normal gear operation.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29436. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.