FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Gear-Up Landing During Training Flight Results in Substantial Damage (N348AE)

Visalia, CA, US

On June 11, 1991, a Fairchild SA227-AC (registration N348AE) operated by Wings West Airlines Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Visalia, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE INSTRUCTOR/PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY SUPERVISE THE FLIGHT AND THE SECOND PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE CHECKLIST AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CREW COORDINATION TO ENSURE THAT THE LANDING GEAR WAS EXTENDED. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During company training with two captain candidates, a transport pilot instructor requested a no-flap, single-engine circling approach. The landing gear was not extended, and the aircraft touched down with gear up, causing substantial damage. No injuries occurred.

Incident Overview

A certificated airplane transport pilot, serving as pilot-in-command and instructor, was conducting company training with two captain candidates. The second-in-command, a dual student, was flying from the left seat. The instructor requested a no flap, single engine circling approach, which requires that the landing gear not be extended until a safe landing is assured.

Sequence of Events

During the approach, the landing gear warning horn did not sound due to the position of the flaps and engine power levers. The student made a checklist call out at a time in the landing sequence that occurs after the landing gear is lowered. Neither pilot recalled calling for the landing gear down. The instructor recalled noting that the student did not call for gear down. He stated that he was giving the student an opportunity to lower the gear without being prompted to do so.

Outcome

The airplane contacted the runway with the landing gear up, causing substantial damage. The three pilots were not injured.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Jun 1991 Fairchild SA227-AC accident near Visalia, CA?

During company training with two captain candidates, a transport pilot instructor requested a no-flap, single-engine circling approach. The landing gear was not extended, and the aircraft touched down with gear up, causing substantial damage. No injuries occurred.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Jun 1991 Fairchild SA227-AC accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Jun 1991 involved a Fairchild SA227-AC, registration N348AE, operated by Wings West Airlines Inc, at Visalia, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE INSTRUCTOR/PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY SUPERVISE THE FLIGHT AND THE SECOND PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE CHECKLIST AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CREW COORDINATION TO ENSURE THAT THE LANDING GEAR WAS EXTENDED. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE SILENCING OF THE LANDING GEAR WARNING HORN BY POSITIONING GO…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17327. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.