On March 9, 1995, a Cessna 337C (registration N2621S) was involved in an aviation accident near Porter, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to visually confirm the landing gear position due to distraction by an external noise, resulting in a gear-up landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot inadvertently landed an aircraft with the landing gear retracted after becoming distracted by a flapping noise and failing to visually verify the gear position before touchdown.
What happened
The pilot executed a landing with the aircraft's landing gear in the retracted position. During the approach, the pilot was distracted by an unusual flapping noise coming from the airframe. This distraction caused the pilot to forget to perform the standard visual check of the landing gear indicators before touchdown.
The investigation
Following the incident, the pilot informed his mechanic that the landing gear system itself appeared to be functioning correctly and reported no mechanical failures. Despite the lack of a system malfunction, the aircraft sustained significant damage during the ground slide after the main fuselage contacted the runway surface.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to visually confirm the landing gear position due to distraction by an external noise, resulting in a gear-up landing.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 9 Mar 1995 Cessna 337C accident near Porter, TX?
A pilot inadvertently landed an aircraft with the landing gear retracted after becoming distracted by a flapping noise and failing to visually verify the gear position before touchdown.
Were there any fatalities in the 9 Mar 1995 Cessna 337C accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Mar 1995 involved a Cessna 337C, registration N2621S, at Porter, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to visually confirm the landing gear position due to distraction by an external noise, resulting in a gear-up landing.
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