Casualties unknown

Pilot Forgets Landing Gear During Wind Shift Approach (N8735A)

Newcastle, WY, US

On June 7, 2002, a Beech A35 (registration N8735A) was involved in an aviation accident near Newcastle, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot-in-command's failure to lower the landing gear prior to landing. 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 conducting training flights performed a wheels-up landing after forgetting to extend the landing gear on an approach following a wind shift. The aircraft was equipped with an audible warning system, but the pilot was unaware of its presence.

Incident Overview

A pilot, having just completed practice maneuvers in accordance with the commercial pilot practical flight test guide, returned to the airport for additional flight operations. The pilot executed several takeoffs and landings on runway 31. Subsequently, the airport's Automated Weather Observation Station (AWOS) reported a wind shift, prompting the pilot to set up an approach to runway 13.

Landing Gear Omission

During the approach to runway 13, the pilot forgot to lower the landing gear and subsequently landed with the gear retracted, resulting in a wheels-up landing. The aircraft is equipped with an audible landing gear warning system, as confirmed by a Raytheon Aircraft Company spokesperson. The system is designed to activate whenever engine power is reduced below 12 inches of manifold pressure while the landing gear remains in the retracted position.

Pilot's Statement

The pilot reported being unaware of whether the particular aircraft was equipped with such a warning system. Furthermore, the pilot stated that if the system was present, he did not hear the warning horn prior to touchdown.

Aircraft Information

No specific aircraft type, registration, or other identifiers were provided in the source material. The manufacturer's representative indicated the presence of the warning system as a standard feature on certain models, but the pilot's unfamiliarity with its operation in this instance was noted.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020620X00944. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.