Casualties unknown

2006-06-23: Beech C90 (N20) — Windsor Locks, CT

Windsor Locks, CT, US

On June 23, 2006, a Beech C90 (registration N20) was involved in an aviation accident near Windsor Locks, CT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The non-flying pilot's improper procedure, which resulted in his inadvertent retraction of the landing gear while the airplane was on the ground. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a touch-and-go landing, the non-flying pilot mistakenly raised the landing gear instead of the flaps, causing the aircraft to contact the ground and sustain substantial fuselage damage.

Incident Overview

During a touch-and-go landing, the pilot flying (PF) set takeoff power and initiated the takeoff roll after touchdown. The non-flying pilot (NFP) then asked if the PF wanted the flaps up. The PF replied affirmatively. In response, the NFP inadvertently raised the landing gear instead of the flaps. As a result, the landing gear retracted, and the underside of the aircraft contacted the runway surface.

Sequence of Events

The PF subsequently aborted the takeoff, and the aircraft skidded to a stop on the runway. An examination of the aircraft revealed substantial damage to the fuselage. No mechanical anomalies were identified with the landing gear system.

Contributing Factors

No contributing factors beyond the inadvertent action are specified in the source. The incident highlights the critical importance of verifying control inputs during high-workload phases of flight.

Investigation Findings

The investigation concluded that the landing gear retraction was caused by the NFP's mistaken activation of the gear lever instead of the flap lever. The landing gear system functioned normally, and there were no preexisting mechanical issues.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060706X00875. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.