Incident Overview
A flight instructor was conducting an instructional flight. The aircraft landed without incident. During the landing roll, the instructor intended to retract the flaps but inadvertently placed the landing gear switch in the 'up' position.
Sequence of Events
Upon realizing the error, the instructor immediately returned the landing gear switch to the 'down' position. However, the landing gear collapsed before it could deploy. The aircraft then slid approximately halfway down the runway before coming to rest.
Aircraft Damage
The collapse and subsequent slide resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage.
Pilot Statement
The flight instructor reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot Operating Handbook Reference
According to the pilot operating handbook, "Never rely on the safety switch to keep the gear down during taxi or on take-off, landing roll, or in a static position. Always make certain that the landing gear switch is in the down position during these operations."