On October 12, 1989, a Beech 58P (registration N94JP) was involved in an aviation accident near Jackson, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot incorrectly operated the manual landing gear extension handle, turning it clockwise instead of counterclockwise as per the operator's manual, which began retraction of the landing gear, leading to the gear collapse during landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After a loss of electrical power, the pilot attempted to verify landing gear extension but turned the manual extension handle in the wrong direction, causing gear retraction. The gear collapsed during landing, damaging the aircraft.
Flight Events
After becoming airborne, the pilot realized he had forgotten a briefcase and decided to return to the airport. He extended the landing gear and observed three safe indications. However, as he extended the flaps, a total loss of electrical power occurred. The pilot performed a go-around and turned the manual landing gear extension handle to verify that the gear was extended.
Gear Extension and Landing
The pilot turned the extension handle to the right, clockwise, instead of counterclockwise as specified in the operator's manual. Clockwise movement of the extension handle would have started retraction of the gear. Witnesses noted that the gear was only partly extended before the final approach to land. During the landing, the gear collapsed and the aircraft was damaged.
Electrical Power Loss
No reason was found for the loss of electrical power.
Probable cause
The pilot incorrectly operated the manual landing gear extension handle, turning it clockwise instead of counterclockwise as per the operator's manual, which began retraction of the landing gear, leading to the gear collapse during landing.