Casualties unknown

1996-04-22: Beech B55B (N8496N) — Manhattan, KS

Manhattan, KS, US

On April 22, 1996, a Beech B55B (registration N8496N) was involved in an aviation accident near Manhattan, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to properly extend the landing gear. A factor was his failure to follow checklist procedures. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported landing with the landing gear retracted after misidentifying the gear warning horn as the stall warning horn during flare.

Accident Narrative

The pilot reported conducting a standard 'GUMPS' check on base leg and believed the landing gear was extended at that point. Another 'GUMPS' check was performed on final approach. During the flare, the pilot heard a warning horn but thought it was the stall warning horn, not the landing gear warning. The aircraft touched down normally, but after approximately two seconds, the nose dropped and the airplane began to slide along the runway.

Pilot Actions

The pilot stated that the flare was executed normally and the throttle was reduced to idle. Upon touchdown, the aircraft pitched forward and slid. No abnormal control inputs were noted. The pilot did not recognize the landing gear warning horn during the landing sequence.

Post-Accident Inspection

Approximately five minutes after the accident, the pilot returned to the airplane and observed the landing gear control handle positioned between the center and bottom detents. An operational check of the landing gear system was performed after the accident, and it functioned normally, indicating no mechanical malfunction.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05542. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.