Casualties unknown

Gear-Up Landing During Private Pilot Examination (N9449S)

Erie, CO, US

On December 10, 1991, a Beech V35 (registration N9449S) operated by Robert D. Philips was involved in an aviation accident near Erie, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AN INADVERTENT GEAR UP LANDING WHEN THE PILOT IN COMMAND AND DESIGNATED EXAMINER FAILED TO USE PROPER PROCEDURES. A FACTOR WAS: FAILURE OF THE LANDING GEAR EXTENSION/RETRACTION MOTOR. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a soft field landing demonstration for a private pilot flight check, the landing gear was lowered but not verified via the gear light. A gear warning was misidentified as a stall warning, resulting in a gear-up landing with partial gear door damage.

Examination Flight Check

A designated examiner was conducting a private pilot examination flight check with a student pilot. During the check, the student was tasked with demonstrating a soft field landing.

Gear Verification

Both pilots lowered the landing gear and verified that the gear handle was in the down position. However, neither pilot confirmed the gear was down by checking the gear indicator light.

Warning Misidentification

On final approach, the gear warning horn sounded. Both pilots misinterpreted this warning as a stall warning and did not take corrective action.

Landing and Findings

The aircraft was landed with the landing gear retracted. The gear doors sustained partial opening as a result of the gear-up landing. Subsequent inspection revealed that the landing gear motor had failed and the associated circuit breaker was popped.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18586. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.