On November 7, 2004, a Beech 58 (registration N4545M) was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Pierce, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to verify that the landing gear was down and locked before landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot noticed the landing gear indicator lights were not green during flare on final approach but was unable to extend the gear before touchdown.
What happened
The pilot reported that during the final approach to runway 9 with full flaps extended, he observed the aircraft was low during the flare. At this point, he checked the landing gear indicators and noted that three green lights were not illuminated, indicating the gears were not down and locked. He reached for the landing gear selector handle but did not move it before the airplane contacted the ground.
The investigation
No mechanical examination was reported in the source material.
Findings
The pilot's failure to ensure the landing gear was fully extended and locked prior to touchdown.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to verify that the landing gear was down and locked before landing.
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