Casualties unknown

Gear-Up Landing During Single-Engine Practice Flight (N4470P)

Hobart, IN, US

On September 16, 1993, a Piper PA-23-160 (registration N4470P) was involved in an aviation accident near Hobart, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE CERTIFICATED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR'S INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF THE FLIGHT DURING A SIMULATED SINGLE ENGINE APPROACH AND 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight, a multiengine airplane landed with the landing gear retracted despite the gear selector being down and three green lights indicated before touchdown.

Incident Overview

A certified flight instructor (CFI) and a commercial multiengine student were conducting traffic pattern work and practicing single engine procedures in preparation for a checkride. The CFI simulated a right engine failure and instructed the student to proceed with a single engine landing. The airplane touched down with the landing gear retracted. The CFI reported that they had extended the landing gear and observed three green lights, indicating gear down and locked, before touchdown.

Postaccident Investigation

Postaccident investigation revealed that the landing gear selector was in the gear down position. However, the landing gear was found in the retracted position with the gear doors closed. The landing gear was then manually pumped down; it extended and locked normally, with corresponding green light indications. No evidence of a preimpact malfunction was found.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13375. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.