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Electrical Discrepancy Leads to Gear-Up Landing and Fire (N4148B)

Albuquerque, NM, US

On August 18, 1999, a Bellanca 17-30A (registration N4148B) was involved in an aviation accident near Albuquerque, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to follow published procedures in operating the aircraft. A factor was partial failure of the electrical system. 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 a positioning flight, an electrical discrepancy prompted the pilot to shut down the electrical system, resulting in a gear-up landing and subsequent fire. The pilot was uninjured.

Incident Overview

A positioning flight between two local airports was interrupted when the aircraft experienced an electrical discrepancy. In response, the pilot elected to shut down the electrical system using the master switch.

Precautionary Landing

The pilot initiated a precautionary landing. However, because the landing gear was electrically actuated and hydraulically operated, it remained in the retracted position despite the pilot activating the landing gear switch to the down position.

Outcome

The aircraft slid to a stop following the gear-up landing. Post-landing, a fire broke out and destroyed the aircraft. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft and was not injured.

Investigation

The investigation focused on the electrical discrepancy and its impact on the landing gear system. No probable cause was determined from the provided information.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Aug 1999 Bellanca 17-30A accident near Albuquerque, NM?

During a positioning flight, an electrical discrepancy prompted the pilot to shut down the electrical system, resulting in a gear-up landing and subsequent fire. The pilot was uninjured.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Aug 1999 Bellanca 17-30A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Aug 1999 involved a Bellanca 17-30A, registration N4148B, at Albuquerque, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to follow published procedures in operating the aircraft. A factor was partial failure of the electrical system.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19495. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.