On 19 May 2010, a SWEARINGEN SA-226AT operated by MCNEELY CHARTER SERVICE INC was involved in an aviation accident near West Memphis, AR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of both pilots to ensure that the airplane was properly configured for landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Two airline transport pilots conducted a full-stop landing with gear retracted after the pilot misinterpreted the gear indicator at 500 feet. Neither pilot heard the gear warning horn.
Approach and Configuration
The two airline transport pilots were performing a full-stop landing at their home airport. The airplane was established on a 5 to 8 mile final approach while the pilot read and quickly completed the checklist. The aircraft was configured with full flaps.
Distraction and Correction
When the pilot actuated the landing gear, his attention was diverted by a deteriorating airspeed and a glidepath deviation. He made necessary corrections to stabilize the approach.
Gear Indication
At 500 feet above ground, the pilot glanced at the gear indicator and thought he saw "three down." The pilot continued the approach without further gear checks.
Landing
The airplane landed with the landing gear in the retracted position. Neither pilot reported hearing the gear warning horn during the approach.
Contributing factors
Flight crew
Related events
Same aircraft family
10 Dec 2021 — Swearingen SA-226AT Merlin IV (Castle Aviation)