No fatalities

Landing Gear Retracted During No-Flap Landing Exercise

Montague, CA, United States

On February 12, 2018, a BEECH C90 A operated by MERCY FLIGHTS INC was involved in an aviation accident near Montague, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of pilot to extend the landing gear during landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight for a Part 135 check ride, a pilot and check-pilot performed a no-flap landing. As the airplane crossed the threshold with power idle, an aural warning sounded indicating gear retracted. The airplane landed with gear up, sustaining substantial damage to the lower fuselage. No mechanical malfunctions were reported.

Flight Details

A pilot accompanied by a company check-pilot was conducting a training flight in preparation for a 14 CFR Part 135 check ride. The airplane was equipped with retractable landing gear.

Accident Sequence

During a no-flap landing exercise, as the airplane crossed the runway threshold, the pilot set the engine power to idle. At that moment, an aural warning sounded, indicating that the landing gear was in the retracted position. The airplane subsequently touched down with the landing gear retracted.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage as a result of the gear-up landing.

Mechanical Status

Both pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

PilotNot used/operated

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Feb 2018 BEECH C90 A accident near Montague, CA?

During a training flight for a Part 135 check ride, a pilot and check-pilot performed a no-flap landing. As the airplane crossed the threshold with power idle, an aural warning sounded indicating gear retracted. The airplane landed with gear up, sustaining substantial damage to the lower fuselage. No mechanical…

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Feb 2018 BEECH C90 A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Feb 2018 involved a BEECH C90 A, operated by MERCY FLIGHTS INC, at Montague, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of pilot to extend the landing gear during landing.