Casualties unknown

Nose Gear Collapses During Takeoff After Loud Bang and Oil on Windshield (N144GM)

Liberty, MO, US

On May 13, 1997, a Beech 35 (registration N144GM) was involved in an aviation accident near Liberty, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: retraction of the nose gear for undetermined reason(s). 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff, a pilot heard a loud bang at 65 mph, followed by oil on the windshield and nose gear collapse. The pilot had confirmed gear down before departure.

Incident Overview

The pilot of an airplane reported that the taxi out and run up were normal prior to the planned departure. During the takeoff roll, at approximately 65 miles per hour, a loud bang was heard. Immediately afterward, oil appeared on the airplane's windshield, and the nose gear collapsed.

Pilot's Account

The pilot stated that before attempting the takeoff, he was certain the landing gear selector was in the down position. Additionally, the manual indicator near the nose wheel area was in agreement with the selector switch, indicating the gear was down.

Sequence of Events

  • Taxi and run up: normal.
  • Takeoff roll: at about 65 mph, loud bang occurred.
  • Oil then covered the windshield.
  • The nose gear subsequently collapsed.

No further details were provided about the aircraft type, registration, or any injuries.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07888. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.