On August 2, 2005, a Beech 95-B55 (registration N5888J) operated by Ricardo V. Vargas was involved in an aviation accident near Tucson, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot inadvertently retracted the landing gear during the landing rollout. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing rollout, the pilot inadvertently retracted the landing gear. The left main and nose gear retracted at about 60 knots, causing the airplane to swerve off the runway and collide with a taxiway light. No mechanical anomalies were found.
Incident Details
The pilot reported that after takeoff, he realized he had forgotten documents for his business flight and returned to the airport to land. During the landing rollout, as the airplane decelerated to about 60 knots and was rolling straight down the runway, the pilot inadvertently retracted the landing gear. The left main landing gear and the nose gear retracted, causing the airplane to swerve off the runway and collide with a taxiway light.
Investigation
An examination of the landing gear system revealed no evidence of mechanical anomalies. No evidence of any mechanical malfunction was noted during the approach or the initial portion of the landing rollout.
Probable cause
The pilot inadvertently retracted the landing gear during the landing rollout.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 2 Aug 2005 Beech 95-B55 accident near Tucson, AZ?
During landing rollout, the pilot inadvertently retracted the landing gear. The left main and nose gear retracted at about 60 knots, causing the airplane to swerve off the runway and collide with a taxiway light. No mechanical anomalies were found.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Aug 2005 involved a Beech 95-B55, registration N5888J, operated by Ricardo V. Vargas, at Tucson, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot inadvertently retracted the landing gear during the landing rollout.
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