No fatalities

Landing Gear Retraction Incident During Commuter Flight (N3535F)

Nuiqsut, AK, US

On August 24, 2002, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N3535F) was involved in an aviation accident near Nuiqsut, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent wheels-up landing. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's failure to complete the prelanding checklist, his diverted attention, and a delayed gear warning horn alarm. 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 commuter airplane sustained substantial damage after landing with its landing gear retracted on a gravel runway, attributed to pilot distraction and incomplete checklist execution.

Incident Overview

A scheduled commuter flight operating under 14 CFR Part 135 experienced a landing gear-up landing on a gravel runway, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. The incident occurred during the landing sequence when the pilot inadvertently failed to extend the landing gear.

Pilot Account

According to the pilot's report, he was distracted during the landing sequence and forgot to lower the landing gear. He did not verify that all prelanding checklist items had been completed. The pilot stated that he did not hear the landing gear warning horn until the airplane was already on the ground.

Aircraft and Damage

The airplane touched down on a gravel runway with its landing gear retracted. The accident caused substantial damage to the aircraft. No further details about the aircraft type or registration were provided in the source.

Operational Context

The flight was conducted as a scheduled commuter operation under 14 CFR Part 135. The runway surface was gravel. No information was given regarding the time of day, weather conditions, or any air traffic control involvement.

Investigation Findings

The investigation focused on the pilot's actions. The pilot's distraction and failure to complete the prelanding checklist were identified as contributing behaviors. The source did not state a probable cause for the incident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Aug 2002 Piper PA-31-350 accident near Nuiqsut, AK?

A commuter airplane sustained substantial damage after landing with its landing gear retracted on a gravel runway, attributed to pilot distraction and incomplete checklist execution.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Aug 2002 Piper PA-31-350 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Aug 2002 involved a Piper PA-31-350, registration N3535F, at Nuiqsut, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadvertent wheels-up landing. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's failure to complete the prelanding checklist, his diverted attention, and a delayed gear warning horn alarm.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020904X01524. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.