Casualties unknown

Engine Failure Shortly After Takeoff Results in Gear-Up Landing (N3106V)

Mountain View, MO, US

On October 1, 1989, a Beech 35 (registration N3106V) operated by Morton, Gary L. was involved in an aviation accident near Mountain View, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The investigator could not determine the cause of the engine failure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff and executed a gear-up landing on the remaining runway and grass overrun.

What happened

The pilot reported that the aircraft experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff. At the time of the failure, the landing gear had already been retracted. With no alternative options available, the pilot attempted to execute a gear-up landing on the remaining portion of the runway.

The aircraft slid approximately 300 feet along the paved surface before continuing onto the maintained grass overrun for an additional 100 feet. The incident occurred during the initial climb phase of flight.

The investigation

A post-accident examination of the aircraft was conducted to determine the cause of the mechanical failure. Despite the inspection, investigators were unable to identify a specific reason for the engine stopping.

Findings

The primary factor in this event was the sudden loss of engine power during the critical takeoff phase. The pilot's decision to utilize the remaining runway length and grass area mitigated potential structural damage from a hard landing.

Probable cause

The investigator could not determine the cause of the engine failure.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29669. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.