Casualties unknown

1999-03-16: Beech 58 (N6CH) — ST Croix

ST Croix, US

On March 16, 1999, a Beech 58 (registration N6CH) was involved in an aviation accident near ST Croix. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear. 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

The aircraft landed short of runway 09 in a flat attitude, struck runway lights, and came to rest. The pilot reported selecting gear down with a green light, but the FAA inspector concluded the gear was not lowered based on damage pattern.

Accident Sequence

The aircraft touched down before the threshold of runway 09 in a level attitude. It continued eastward, colliding with the lights at the arrival end of the runway before coming to a stop. No radio communications from the airplane before the accident indicated that the pilot was experiencing any problems with the airplane.

Pilot Account

The pilot stated that after turning final approach, he completed the before-landing checklist and selected the landing gear down, receiving a green light indication. Over the runway, he closed the throttles for touchdown. At that moment, he felt a thump and the aircraft dipped to the left. Subsequently, the airplane skidded on its belly to a stop on the left side of the runway in the grass.

Examination Findings

Examination of the landing gear revealed no discrepancies. The FAA inspector wrote in a memorandum that it was his firm belief that the pilot did not lower the landing gear at the time of landing. The inspector noted there was no damage to the main landing gear doors or scratch marks at the doors, which indicated that the pilot never did lower the gear. All damage was in the structure (airframe).

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001205X00365. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.