Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Propeller Strike After Landing Gear Omission During Practice (N168B)

Anacortes, WA, US

On February 26, 2002, a Beech G35 (registration N168B) was involved in an aviation accident near Anacortes, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent failure to lower the landing gear prior to touchdown. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot practicing short field landings reported neglecting to lower the landing gear on the fourth landing, resulting in a propeller strike when the propeller contacted the ground.

Incident Overview

A pilot practicing short field landings experienced a propeller strike after failing to extend the landing gear on the fourth landing attempt. The pilot stated that he neglected to lower the landing gear and did not verify its status before touchdown.

Sequence of Events

During the approach for the fourth landing, the pilot did not deploy the landing gear and did not check the gear indicators. As the aircraft touched down, the propeller struck the ground. The pilot then attempted to lower the landing gear, but reported that there was insufficient time for the gear to extend before contact occurred.

Mechanical Condition

The pilot noted that no mechanical malfunction or failure of the aircraft had occurred prior to the incident. The aircraft was operating normally, and the omission of the landing gear was attributed solely to the pilot's actions.

Damage

The propeller struck the ground during the landing sequence, resulting in damage to the propeller. No other details regarding damage extent or injury were provided by the pilot.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020304X00302. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.