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Landing Gear Collapse During Landing Roll After Gear-Up Selection (N7268R)

Bakersfield, CA, US

On July 1, 1991, a Beech E-55 (registration N7268R) operated by Brian Payne was involved in an aviation accident near Bakersfield, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE LANDING GEAR RETRACTION BY SELECTING GEAR UP INSTEAD OF FLAPS UP DURING THE LANDING ROLL-OUT. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE AIRPLANE. 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 the landing roll, the landing gear collapsed. Examination revealed the pilot had selected gear up instead of flaps up, then attempted to lower the gear, but the aircraft's weight prevented extension, causing the gear circuit breaker to pop.

Accident Sequence

The landing gear collapsed during the landing roll. The pilot had accumulated a total of 27 hours in the accident airplane after receiving a multiengine rating.

Examination Findings

Examination of the airplane at the scene showed the landing gear handle in the down position and the landing gear circuit breaker popped. Damage to the gear doors and gear actuating rods indicated that the pilot had selected the gear up instead of flaps up before the gear strut squat switches activated to prevent the gear from retracting. The pilot then selected the gear down position, but the weight of the airplane prevented the gear from extending, popping the gear motor circuit breaker.

Pilot Experience

Prior to operating the accident airplane, in the last 12 months, the pilot operated a tailwheel, fixed-gear airplane.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Jul 1991 Beech E-55 accident near Bakersfield, CA?

During the landing roll, the landing gear collapsed. Examination revealed the pilot had selected gear up instead of flaps up, then attempted to lower the gear, but the aircraft's weight prevented extension, causing the gear circuit breaker to pop.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Jul 1991 Beech E-55 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Jul 1991 involved a Beech E-55, registration N7268R, operated by Brian Payne, at Bakersfield, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE LANDING GEAR RETRACTION BY SELECTING GEAR UP INSTEAD OF FLAPS UP DURING THE LANDING ROLL-OUT. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE AIRPLANE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17579. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.