Casualties unknown

2004-07-26: Piper AEROSTAR 602P (N663W) — Seattle, WA

Seattle, WA, US

On July 26, 2004, a Piper AEROSTAR 602P (registration N663W) was involved in an aviation accident near Seattle, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The landing gear extention not performed by the pilot. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot landed an airplane with the landing gear retracted on runway 31L at Boeing Field, after mistakenly actuating flaps instead of gear during approach.

Incident Overview

During a visual approach to Boeing Field runway 31L, a pilot inadvertently landed an airplane with the landing gear retracted. The pilot reported that while slowing to gear extension speed, he believed he had extended the landing gear but had actually actuated the flaps.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot's account, Seattle approach assigned a visual approach into Boeing Field runway 31L and sequenced the airplane between a Lear and a Citation, with an instruction to maintain 160 knots until DUANE intersection. During the approach, the pilot was handed off to Boeing Tower and cleared for the visual approach. As the pilot approached the runway, he slowed to gear extension speed. He later stated, "I thought I had extended my gear (I had actually actuated my flaps)." Shortly thereafter, the airplane landed on runway 31L with the landing gear retracted.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that may have contributed to the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040810X01189. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.