Landing gear retraction during takeoff roll

Casualties unknown • Scottsdale, AZ, US

A student pilot accidentally retracted the landing gear instead of the flaps during a touch-and-go maneuver, causing the nose and left main gear to collapse.

What happened

During the takeoff roll phase of a touch-and-go maneuver, the student pilot receiving instruction inadvertently operated the landing gear handle rather than the flap handle. As the Cessna (type not specified in source) continued its roll, the nose gear and the left main gear retracted.

The certified flight instructor reported that he attempted to grab the handle immediately upon seeing the student move it, but the retraction had already occurred. The aircraft was not injured in terms of occupants, as no fatalities or injuries were reported in the source text.

The investigation

A post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions within the landing gear system. The instructor also confirmed that no mechanical issues or malfunctions were experienced during the flight.

Probable cause

The pilot's inadvertent operation of the landing gear handle instead of the flap handle during the takeoff roll.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-05-17 Piper PA-34-220T accident near Scottsdale, AZ?

A student pilot accidentally retracted the landing gear instead of the flaps during a touch-and-go maneuver, causing the nose and left main gear to collapse.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-05-17 involved a Piper PA-34-220T, registration N4162K, at Scottsdale, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadvertent operation of the landing gear handle instead of the flap handle during the takeoff roll.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050617X00806. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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