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Gear-Up Landing During FAA Flight Check After Emergency Gear Discussion (N143AC)

Valentine, NE, US

On May 7, 1992, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N143AC) operated by Wm. J. Kerr/robt. Kilmer was involved in an aviation accident near Valentine, NE. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT IN COMMAND TO EXTEND THE LANDING GEAR AND THE INATTENTIVE FAA INSPECTOR (CHECK AIRMAN). 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

A commercial air taxi flight check conducted by an FAA inspector ended in a gear-up landing following a discussion of emergency gear extension procedures. The pilot reported moving the gear lever down but did not check the three green down-lock lights; the inspector also did not recall checking the indicators.

Event Description

During a commercial air taxi flight check administered by an FAA inspector, the airplane landed with its landing gear retracted. The gear-up landing occurred after the pilot and inspector had discussed emergency landing gear extension procedures while in the traffic pattern.

Pilot and Inspector Actions

The commercial pilot who was flying the airplane stated that he placed the landing gear lever in the down position but did not verify that the three green landing gear down-lock lights were illuminated. The FAA inspector also reported that he did not recall looking at the landing gear indication lights prior to landing. Neither pilot remembered hearing a gear warning horn or noticing a flashing gear-not-extended light in the landing gear selector handle during the approach.

Post-Accident Findings

Inspection after the accident revealed that the gear warning light was operating intermittently. Additionally, the gear warning horn would only activate if the left engine throttle was retarded to the stop with considerable back pressure. In contrast, the three green gear-locked lights were found to function satisfactorily.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 May 1992 Piper PA-23-250 accident near Valentine, NE?

A commercial air taxi flight check conducted by an FAA inspector ended in a gear-up landing following a discussion of emergency gear extension procedures. The pilot reported moving the gear lever down but did not check the three green down-lock lights; the inspector also did not recall checking the indicators.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 May 1992 Piper PA-23-250 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 May 1992 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N143AC, operated by Wm. J. Kerr/robt. Kilmer, at Valentine, NE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT IN COMMAND TO EXTEND THE LANDING GEAR AND THE INATTENTIVE FAA INSPECTOR (CHECK AIRMAN). ASSOCIATED FACTORS ARE THE INOPERATIVE LANDING GEAR WARNING SYSTEM, THE INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION BY THE PILOT AND FAA INSPECTOR, AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO USE A CHECKLIST.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14620. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.