Casualties unknown

1992-09-23: Beech B55 (N557T) — J. F. Aviation — Joliet, IL

Joliet, IL, US

On September 23, 1992, a Beech B55 (registration N557T) operated by J. F. Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Joliet, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADVERTENT WHEELS UP LANDING. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot landed with the landing gear retracted after receiving a green light indication, and the aircraft caught fire after stopping on the runway. Post-accident inspection found no mechanical issues.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during approach for landing, he moved the landing gear selector to the down position and observed a green indicator light. However, he did not recall hearing a gear warning horn, noticing a change in airflow, or feeling a pitch change after selecting the gear down. The aircraft subsequently touched down with the landing gear still retracted (wheels-up landing) and caught fire after coming to a stop on the asphalt runway.

Post-Accident Inspection

Following the accident, an inspection of the landing gear and its associated systems was conducted. No mechanical anomalies were discovered that would have prevented normal operation of the landing gear.

Pilot Account

The pilot stated that he did not remember any audible or tactile cues that typically accompany landing gear extension, such as the gear warning horn, altered airflow sounds, or a pitch change. Despite the green light indication, the gear did not appear to have extended properly.

Aftermath

The airplane sustained fire damage after stopping on the runway. The investigation focused on the landing gear system but found no evidence of mechanical failure.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15647. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.