Incident Overview
On October 21, 2017, at approximately 0530 Alaska daylight time, a Raytheon Aircraft Company B200, registration N363JH, sustained substantial damage following an unintentional gear-up landing at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) in Anchorage, Alaska. The aircraft was operated by Bering Air, Inc., as a Part 135 air ambulance flight designated Medevac 363JH. The certificated airline transport pilot, two flight medics, and one patient sustained no injuries.
Flight History and Pilot Status
The flight departed Nome Airport (OME) at approximately 0320 to transport a patient to Anchorage. The pilot had started his duty day on October 20 at 1830. Due to a weather hold, he was permitted to rest at his home for about 3.5 hours before being woken by dispatch at 0113 on October 21. The pilot reported feeling fatigued during the final approach phase and acknowledged that his judgment may have been impaired.
Accident Sequence
During the descent into Anchorage Class C airspace, the pilot requested a visual approach but was vectored for an ILS runway 7 right approach. The pilot selected the approach flaps setting but failed to visually confirm the three landing gear down and locked indication lights. Upon touchdown with the landing gear retracted, the aircraft skidded on its fuselage pod and engine nacelles. The impact caused both Hartzell propellers to separate at midspan, resulting in substantial damage to the right engine mount and minor damage to the forward fuselage from debris.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident inspection revealed the landing gear selector was in the down position, indicating a failure to extend the gear rather than a mechanical malfunction. The operator reported no pre-impact mechanical failures. The pilot’s written statement identified long duty periods, inadequate rest management, and complacency as mitigating factors. The aircraft was equipped with a Garmin G1000 avionics suite, and the landing gear warning system would have activated if flaps had been set beyond the approach position.