No fatalities

Landing Gear Not Extended During Touchdown (N333WF)

Blythe, CA, US

On March 12, 2005, a Mitsubishi MU-2B-26A (registration N333WF) operated by Jaax Flying Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Blythe, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to lower the landing gear prior to landing. A factor to the accident was the pilot's diverted attention due to the flap system anomaly. 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 landed with the landing gear retracted after encountering a flap issue and inadvertently skipping the gear extension step during a no-flap landing. No mechanical malfunctions were found.

Incident Overview

During an approach, the pilot reported that the flaps would not lock into the 20-degree extended position. The pilot subsequently opted to perform a no-flap landing and referred to the emergency checklist.

Checklist Misstep

The emergency checklist advised the pilot to extend the landing gear, but the pilot skimmed over that information, assuming the gear was already down and locked. The pilot instead focused on maintaining a stabilized approach.

Touchdown and Outcome

The airplane touched down on the runway with the landing gear in the retracted position. Post-incident inspection revealed no mechanical malfunctions with the landing gear system.

Flap System Examination

A ground test run of the flaps did not reproduce the locking failure encountered during the flight. The exact cause of the flap anomaly could not be determined from the available evidence.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Mar 2005 Mitsubishi MU-2B-26A accident near Blythe, CA?

A pilot landed with the landing gear retracted after encountering a flap issue and inadvertently skipping the gear extension step during a no-flap landing. No mechanical malfunctions were found.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Mar 2005 Mitsubishi MU-2B-26A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Mar 2005 involved a Mitsubishi MU-2B-26A, registration N333WF, operated by Jaax Flying Service, Inc., at Blythe, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to lower the landing gear prior to landing. A factor to the accident was the pilot's diverted attention due to the flap system anomaly.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050525X00670. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.