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Forced Landing Training Maneuver Results in Gear-Up Landing After Circuit Breaker Left Pulled (N16ED)

Corvallis, OR, US

On October 5, 1993, a Cessna 172RG (registration N16ED) operated by Avia Flight Services was involved in an aviation accident near Corvallis, OR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of both pilots to remember that the landing gear circuit breaker had been pulled, which prevented the landing gear from fully extending and the warning horn from sounding. 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

During a commercial flight training exercise, a CFI pulled the landing gear circuit breaker. During a simulated engine failure forced landing, the gear handle was lowered but the gear did not extend because the circuit breaker remained pulled, and no warning horn sounded.

Incident Overview

During a commercial flight training session, the certified flight instructor (CFI) pulled the circuit breaker for the landing gear while the aircraft was executing training maneuvers. Following the completion of those maneuvers, the CFI reduced the engine to idle to simulate an engine failure. The student pilot then performed a forced landing procedure, during which the landing gear handle was moved to the down position.

Sequence of Events

Because the circuit breaker for the landing gear had been pulled earlier and was not reset, the gear did not fully extend. Additionally, the landing gear warning horn did not sound, as it was also affected by the open circuit breaker. Neither pilot recalled that the circuit breaker had been pulled during the initial maneuvers.

Final Moments

The CFI noticed that the landing gear was not fully extended just as the aircraft touched down on the runway. However, there was insufficient time to take remedial action before touchdown.

Probable cause

The failure of both pilots to remember that the landing gear circuit breaker had been pulled, which prevented the landing gear from fully extending and the warning horn from sounding.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Oct 1993 Cessna 172RG accident near Corvallis, OR?

During a commercial flight training exercise, a CFI pulled the landing gear circuit breaker. During a simulated engine failure forced landing, the gear handle was lowered but the gear did not extend because the circuit breaker remained pulled, and no warning horn sounded.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Oct 1993 Cessna 172RG accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Oct 1993 involved a Cessna 172RG, registration N16ED, operated by Avia Flight Services, at Corvallis, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of both pilots to remember that the landing gear circuit breaker had been pulled, which prevented the landing gear from fully extending and the warning horn from sounding.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13659. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.