Accident Overview
On January 27, 2017, at 1750 eastern standard time, a Beech 200T (registration N60RA) was substantially damaged during landing at Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) in West Palm Beach, Florida. The airplane, operated by Eastern Air Express under 14 CFR Part 91 as a positioning flight, was registered to a private corporation. The flight originated from Treasure Cay, Bahamas (MYAT) at 1652. Day, visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed.
Pilot Report
The airline transport pilot and a commercial-rated copilot were not injured. The pilot reported that the preflight and enroute portions were uneventful. The aircraft was established on the localizer for an approach to runway 28R, which was dry. Flaps were set to approach position, and the landing gear extended with three green lights indicating down and locked. After touchdown, the pilot heard noises and the airplane began to sink. After stopping on the right side of the runway, the pilots noticed the landing gear handle was in the up position. The pilot stated, "How did the gear handle get up?" and then placed the handle to the down position. The pilots secured the airplane and were met by first responders.
Examination Findings
An FAA inspector responded and examined the airplane. Structural damage to the fuselage was confirmed. All three landing gear were found in a partially extended position. Skid marks from all three tires were observed on the runway leading to the main wreckage. Both propeller assemblies were damaged from contact with the runway. The pressure vessel was compromised by a propeller blade. The nose landing gear actuator was forced upward, penetrating the upper nose skin. Examination of landing gear components revealed no evidence of a preexisting mechanical malfunction.
Landing Gear System
The landing gear was extended and retracted by a 28-volt split-field motor located on the forward side of the center-section main spar. The motor was controlled by a switch placarded "LDG GEAR CONT – UP – DN" on the pilot's right subpanel. The switch handle required pulling out of a detent before moving from the up or down position.
Pilot Activity and Fatigue
The pilot reported going to bed around 2245 local the evening before the accident and waking around 0500 local. He was up several times during the night to use the bathroom. On the accident day, he flew 7 legs totaling 5.2 hours. His only food consumption that day was a banana for breakfast.