On October 12, 1989, a Beech 58P (registration N94JP) was involved in an aviation accident near Jackson, MS. No fatalities were reported. 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.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 12 Oct 1989 Beech 58P accident near Jackson, MS?
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.
Were there any fatalities in the 12 Oct 1989 Beech 58P accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Oct 1989 involved a Beech 58P, registration N94JP, at Jackson, MS.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
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.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…