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Gear-Up Landing After Landing Gear Extension Failure Due to Cable Entanglement (N516B)

Christmasvalley, OR, US

On September 23, 1998, a Beech A35 (registration N516B) was involved in an aviation accident near Christmasvalley, OR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A jammed nose gear. A corroded cable and the failure of the owner to have an annual inspection performed on the airplane were factors. 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

A pilot reported a snap when retracting gear after takeoff. Unable to extend gear, he performed a gear-up landing. Investigation revealed a corroded cable entangled in the gear mechanism; the aircraft had not been inspected in seven years.

Accident Details

The pilot reported that during the initial climb after takeoff, while retracting the landing gear, he heard a snap or pop. He flew a pattern and entered the downwind leg for landing. When attempting to extend the landing gear, the gear would not deploy. The pilot tried to hand-crank the gear down but found the crank was jammed. Subsequently, he landed with the gear retracted.

Investigation Findings

After the accident, the pilot discovered that a small cable located in the wheelwell—running from the nose-gear strut to a pulley high in the wheelwell—had become entangled in the gear mechanism. This entanglement jammed the gear and prevented the limit switches from making contact. An FAA inspector who examined the aircraft noted that the cable was badly corroded in the area of the break. The inspector also noted that the airplane had not been inspected by a mechanic for seven years.

Probable Cause

No probable cause was stated in the investigation source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Sept 1998 Beech A35 accident near Christmasvalley, OR?

A pilot reported a snap when retracting gear after takeoff. Unable to extend gear, he performed a gear-up landing. Investigation revealed a corroded cable entangled in the gear mechanism; the aircraft had not been inspected in seven years.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Sept 1998 Beech A35 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Sept 1998 involved a Beech A35, registration N516B, at Christmasvalley, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A jammed nose gear. A corroded cable and the failure of the owner to have an annual inspection performed on the airplane were factors.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11176. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.