Landing gear retraction during ground roll of aircraft

Casualties unknown • Atlantic City, NJ, US

An aircraft experienced a landing gear retraction during the landing roll after the pilot failed to ensure the gear was locked down.

What happened

The pilot was conducting a VFR flight, completing the departure, en route, and descent portions without incident. Upon entering the traffic pattern, the pilot turned final and announced his intentions. After observing another airplane holding short of the same runway, the pilot made an additional announcement.

While at an altitude of approximately 100 to 150 feet AGL, the aircraft holding short entered the runway. In response, the pilot executed a go-around, retracting the flaps and landing gear before performing a left 360-degree turn to return to the final approach. The pilot subsequently landed the aircraft; however, during the ground roll, the landing gear retracted. The aircraft slid approximately 100 feet before coming to a complete stop. Following the event, the pilot discovered that the landing gear switch had been left in the up position.

The investigation

An examination of the aircraft was conducted to determine the cause of the gear retraction. Investigators found no damage to the landing gear doors and noted there was no side scuffing on either tire. Furthermore, the investigation identified no preimpact failures regarding the squat switch, the safe gear indication system, or the landing gear horn. The incident resulted in no injuries.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to ensure the landing gear was in the down position by leaving the landing gear switch in the up position during the landing sequence.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-02-23 Piper PA-24-260 accident near Atlantic City, NJ?

An aircraft experienced a landing gear retraction during the landing roll after the pilot failed to ensure the gear was locked down.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-02-23 involved a Piper PA-24-260, registration N9055P, at Atlantic City, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to ensure the landing gear was in the down position by leaving the landing gear switch in the up position during the landing sequence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020410X00483. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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