Casualties unknown

1998-09-12: Beech 1900C (N1563C) — St. Mary's, AK

St. Mary's, AK, US

On September 12, 1998, a Beech 1900C (registration N1563C) was involved in an aviation accident near St. Mary's, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to follow the aircraft checklist, and an inadvertent wheels up landing. A factor was the pilot's distraction due to a malfunction of the flap system. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a night visual approach to a remote airport, a twin-engine cargo airplane's flaps failed to deploy. The pilot attempted troubleshooting and opted for a flaps-up landing, but the landing gear remained retracted, resulting in damage.

Accident Overview

A certificated airline transport pilot was conducting a Part 135 cargo flight to a remote airport. The flight was operating under dark night conditions in a twin-engine turboprop airplane. During the visual approach, the pilot selected flaps down but observed no response. Troubleshooting efforts did not resolve the flap issue, and the pilot decided to perform a flaps-up landing.

Flight Events

On the downwind leg of the landing approach, the pilot attempted to extend the flaps. When the flaps did not deploy, the pilot engaged in troubleshooting procedures, which failed to correct the problem. Electing to continue the approach without flaps, the pilot prepared for a flaps-up landing. However, as the airplane settled onto the runway, the landing gear was retracted. The aircraft contacted the runway with the gear up.

Equipment and Response

The airplane is equipped with a landing gear warning horn and a red cautionary annunciator light in the landing gear handle. Despite these systems, the landing gear remained in the retracted position throughout the landing. The operator reported that there was no mechanical malfunction with the airplane.

Aftermath

The aircraft sustained damage to the underside and aft end of the fuselage, as well as to the engine nacelles and propellers. No further information regarding occupant status or operational outcome was provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10980. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.