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Landing Gear Retraction After Touchdown Results in Post-Crash Fire (N6774P)

Oklahoma City, OK, US

On October 22, 1999, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N6774P) was involved in an aviation accident near Oklahoma City, OK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the pilot to follow the landing checklist and verify that the landing gear was down and locked, which resulted in a wheels up landing. A factor was the failure of the landing gear locking mechanism for an undetermined reason. 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 that upon landing, the landing gear retracted, causing the airplane to slide 250 yards before stopping. A postaccident fire consumed the cockpit and belly.

Accident Details

According to the pilot's report, the aircraft entered a downwind leg for runway 35, at which point the landing gear was lowered. The pilot stated that everything appeared normal until touchdown, when the gear retracted. The pilot noted that 'evidently the gear did not lock.' Following the gear retraction, the airplane slid 250 yards and came to rest upright. A postaccident fire erupted, consuming the cockpit—including the instrument panel—and the belly of the airframe.

Aircraft Guidance

The Pilot's Operating Handbook specifies that a green light on the instrument panel, located below the landing gear switch, indicates all gears are down and locked. Additionally, item number 6 on the landing checklist states: 'Landing gear down (under 150 MPH check green light on, warning horn off, gear emergency handle in forward position).'

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Oct 1999 Piper PA-24-250 accident near Oklahoma City, OK?

A pilot reported that upon landing, the landing gear retracted, causing the airplane to slide 250 yards before stopping. A postaccident fire consumed the cockpit and belly.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Oct 1999 Piper PA-24-250 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Oct 1999 involved a Piper PA-24-250, registration N6774P, at Oklahoma City, OK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the pilot to follow the landing checklist and verify that the landing gear was down and locked, which resulted in a wheels up landing. A factor was the failure of the landing gear locking mechanism for an undetermined reason.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19961. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.