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Pilot Reports Smoke and Hydraulic Leakage During Flight (N6698D)

Olar, SC, US

On September 4, 2002, a Beech C24R (registration N6698D) was involved in an aviation accident near Olar, SC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to execute the proper remedial action for hydraulic leak fumes in the cockpit, and his decision to perform an immediate precautionary landing to a vacant field, resulting in collision with a tree. 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 pilot reported smoke in cockpit and landing gear issue en route from Savannah, GA to Columbia, SC. Manual gear extension was performed, followed by a precautionary landing in a field where the right wing hit a tree. Postcrash inspection revealed hydraulic leakage but no smoke source.

Incident Overview

A pilot en route from Savannah, Georgia to Columbia, South Carolina reported a smoke smell and rising smoke in the cockpit approximately halfway through the flight. Simultaneously, the red 'in transient' landing gear light illuminated steady. The pilot moved the landing gear handle to the 'up' position without effect, then turned off all electrical power, manually cranked the landing gear down, and declared an emergency with Columbia approach control.

Precautionary Landing and Collision

The pilot performed a precautionary landing in a vacant field. During the landing, the right wing collided with a tree.

Postcrash Examination

Following the accident, personnel from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted an examination. They could not duplicate any smoke or overheat condition. However, the examination revealed evidence of hydraulic leakage at the landing gear power pack, which was located behind the cockpit. Inspectors noted that the pilot may have smelled hydraulic fumes.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Sept 2002 Beech C24R accident near Olar, SC?

A pilot reported smoke in cockpit and landing gear issue en route from Savannah, GA to Columbia, SC. Manual gear extension was performed, followed by a precautionary landing in a field where the right wing hit a tree. Postcrash inspection revealed hydraulic leakage but no smoke source.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Sept 2002 Beech C24R accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Sept 2002 involved a Beech C24R, registration N6698D, at Olar, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to execute the proper remedial action for hydraulic leak fumes in the cockpit, and his decision to perform an immediate precautionary landing to a vacant field, resulting in collision with a tree. A factor in the accident was the occurrence of a hydraulic leak while in flight.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020909X01555. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.