On August 4, 2001, a Beech A35 (registration N8431A) was involved in an aviation accident near Moab, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to lower the landing gear resulting in a wheels up landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A single-engine airplane touched down with its landing gear retracted, causing structural damage to the belly. The pilot later lowered the gear, which deployed under its own power after the gear doors were pried open.
Incident Details
A single-engine airplane completed its landing with the landing gear in the retracted position. The aircraft touched down on the runway without the gear extended, resulting in contact between the fuselage belly and the runway surface. Examination after the event revealed structural damage to the belly area of the airplane.
Post-Accident Examination
Scrape marks observed on the runway were consistent with contact from the main landing gear doors. The damage pattern indicated that the gear doors had dragged along the runway during the landing roll.
Recovery
During recovery of the airplane, the airport manager witnessed the pilot enter the cockpit and manually lower the landing gear. According to the airport manager, the landing gear "came down under its own power after the gear doors were pried out of the way." This suggests that the gear system was functional but was prevented from extending by the jammed gear doors.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 4 Aug 2001 Beech A35 accident near Moab, UT?
A single-engine airplane touched down with its landing gear retracted, causing structural damage to the belly. The pilot later lowered the gear, which deployed under its own power after the gear doors were pried open.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Aug 2001 involved a Beech A35, registration N8431A, at Moab, UT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's failure to lower the landing gear resulting in a wheels up landing.
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