No fatalities

17 Mar 2014: GRUMMAN TMB-3E — American Airpower Heritage Flying Museum — Glendale, AZ

Glendale, AZ, United States
SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot mistakenly raised the landing gear lever instead of the flap lever while turning onto a taxiway, causing the left gear to collapse and the wing tip to strike the ground, resulting in substantial damage.

Incident Details

After landing, the pilot turned the aircraft onto a taxiway intersection. During this maneuver, the pilot intended to raise the flaps but inadvertently moved the landing gear lever instead of the adjacent flap lever. This action caused the left landing gear to collapse, leading the left wing tip to strike the ground. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the left wing.

Pilot's Actions

The pilot reported that the error occurred because he confused the landing gear lever with the flap lever. He stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had waited until the aircraft was clear of the runway, stopped, and properly identified the flap switch before actuating any controls.

Mechanical Condition

The pilot confirmed that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the aircraft that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable cause

The pilot inadvertently raised the landing gear lever instead of the flap lever after landing.

Contributing factors

PilotIncorrect use/operation