On October 11, 1991, a Beech F33A (registration N37MC) operated by Hill, Robert J. was involved in an aviation accident near Franklin, NC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO LOWER THE LANDING GEAR RESULTING IN A GEAR UP CONTACT WITH THE RUNWAY, AND THE EVENTUAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During flare, propeller contacted runway; pilot performed go-around after discovering landing gear not extended. Unable to climb due to terrain, he executed a 180-degree turn and landed in a plowed field, crossing a creek and hitting the bank.
Accident Sequence
The accident occurred during the flare phase of landing when the propeller blades contacted the runway surface. The pilot then realized that the landing gear had not been extended prior to the approach. He initiated a go-around while lowering the landing gear; flaps remained at the full-down position. Because rising terrain prevented a straight-ahead climb, the pilot executed a 180-degree turn back toward the airport. Unable to maintain altitude, he subsequently landed the airplane in a nearby plowed field. During the landing roll, the airplane crossed a creek bed and collided with the west bank of the creek.
Post-Accident Examination
The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane. Examination of the airplane after the accident revealed that the landing gear warning circuit breaker was tripped. Inspection of the runway disclosed numerous propeller slash marks. The propeller blade tips were found to be scored and curled.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 11 Oct 1991 Beech F33A accident near Franklin, NC?
During flare, propeller contacted runway; pilot performed go-around after discovering landing gear not extended. Unable to climb due to terrain, he executed a 180-degree turn and landed in a plowed field, crossing a creek and hitting the bank.
Were there any fatalities in the 11 Oct 1991 Beech F33A accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Oct 1991 involved a Beech F33A, registration N37MC, operated by Hill, Robert J., at Franklin, NC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO LOWER THE LANDING GEAR RESULTING IN A GEAR UP CONTACT WITH THE RUNWAY, AND THE EVENTUAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE.
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…