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Training Accident After Premature Landing Gear Retraction (N1553A)

Phoenix, AZ, US

On November 13, 1992, a Beech F33A (registration N1553A) operated by Airline Training Center was involved in an aviation accident near Phoenix, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE DUAL STUDENTS PREMATURE RETRACTION OF THE LANDING GEAR DURING THE TAKEOFF PORTION OF A TOUCH AND GO, AND, THE INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF THE FLIGHT BY THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During touch-and-go training, a student prematurely retracted the landing gear, causing the right main gear to collapse and the aircraft to slide into airport signs. The operator had removed safety devices from the fleet.

Incident Overview

A flight instructor and a dual student were practicing touch-and-go landings. After touchdown, the student applied power and then prematurely moved the landing gear selector switch to the retract position. The right main landing gear collapsed, and the aircraft slid into several airport taxiway and runway signs.

Operator's Modification

The instructor stated that some time ago, the operator had removed the landing gear safety devices from each aircraft in the fleet, and that all of the instructors were aware of the problem. Investigation revealed that subsequent to June 1989, the operator's maintenance department had removed the landing gear safety devices (selector lever cover guard and throttle switch) from their fleet.

FAA Action

FAA inspectors discovered the unauthorized modifications in June 1992 and ordered the devices reinstalled. The operator reinstalled the devices during scheduled maintenance periods on all of the fleet except for the accident aircraft.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Nov 1992 Beech F33A accident near Phoenix, AZ?

During touch-and-go training, a student prematurely retracted the landing gear, causing the right main gear to collapse and the aircraft to slide into airport signs. The operator had removed safety devices from the fleet.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Nov 1992 Beech F33A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Nov 1992 involved a Beech F33A, registration N1553A, operated by Airline Training Center, at Phoenix, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE DUAL STUDENTS PREMATURE RETRACTION OF THE LANDING GEAR DURING THE TAKEOFF PORTION OF A TOUCH AND GO, AND, THE INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF THE FLIGHT BY THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE DEACTIVATION OF THE LANDING GEAR SAFETY SYSTEMS BY THE COMPANY MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT AND…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X16063. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.