On February 22, 1996, a Beech 35 (registration N3363V) was involved in an aviation accident near Laurel, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to extend the landing gear. Factors related to the accident were: an inoperative gear warning system, the dark night, and the pilot's failure to follow the checklist. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot reported that after entering the landing pattern and conducting GUMP checks, he touched down with the landing gear retracted. The flight was at night; the pilot did not visually verify gear extension due to lack of a mechanical position light, and noted the red gear light was off and warning horn silent.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported that after entering the traffic pattern for landing, he began the 'GUMP' (Gas, Undercarriage, Mixture, Propeller) preparatory checks while making position announcements. The flight was conducted after dark.
Pilot Actions and Observations
The pilot stated that he did not visually check to ensure the landing gear was extended because there was no light that showed the mechanical position of the landing gear. He further reported that the red landing gear panel light was out and the warning horn did not sound.
Landing
The airplane touched down with the landing gear retracted.
What happened in the 22 Feb 1996 Beech 35 accident near Laurel, MT?
A pilot reported that after entering the landing pattern and conducting GUMP checks, he touched down with the landing gear retracted. The flight was at night; the pilot did not visually verify gear extension due to lack of a mechanical position light, and noted the red gear light was off and warning horn silent.
Were there any fatalities in the 22 Feb 1996 Beech 35 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Feb 1996 involved a Beech 35, registration N3363V, at Laurel, MT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's failure to extend the landing gear. Factors related to the accident were: an inoperative gear warning system, the dark night, and the pilot's failure to follow the checklist.
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