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Runway Excursion After Uncommanded Gear Retraction During Touch-and-Go (N3914A)

Gardner, KS, US

On November 25, 1997, a Beech E55 (registration N3914A) was involved in an aviation accident near Gardner, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the inadvertant landing gear retraction, which occurred due to undetermined reason(s). 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 crosswind touch-and-go landings, the airplane bounced and the landing gear retracted, causing propeller strikes. The airplane slid off the runway and hit a parked plane.

Event Description

While practicing crosswind touch-and-go landings, the airplane touched down left of the centerline near the displaced threshold and bounced. The pilot added and removed power to allow the airplane to settle to the runway. During this period, the landing gear retracted, and the left propeller struck the runway. The pilot then added full power and rotated, at which point the right propeller contacted the runway. With the engine running roughly, the airplane touched down again, slid off the runway, and collided with a parked airplane.

Pilot Actions and Perceptions

The pilot reported not touching the landing gear selector during the landing and not hearing a warning horn.

Postaccident Inspection

Postaccident inspection of the landing gear system revealed that it, along with the gear warning system, functioned normally.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Nov 1997 Beech E55 accident near Gardner, KS?

During crosswind touch-and-go landings, the airplane bounced and the landing gear retracted, causing propeller strikes. The airplane slid off the runway and hit a parked plane.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Nov 1997 involved a Beech E55, registration N3914A, at Gardner, KS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the inadvertant landing gear retraction, which occurred due to undetermined reason(s).

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09160. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.