Accident Overview
On November 23, 2018, at approximately 0820 eastern standard time, a Beech A36, registration N41VK, was substantially damaged during an accident in Summerland Key, Florida. The aircraft was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The private pilot was not injured.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that during taxi after landing, he intended to retract the flaps but accidentally retracted the landing gear instead. This action caused the nose gear and right main landing gear to collapse on the runway. The pilot also stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.
Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the accident site. Runway scrape marks and propeller strikes were observed originating about 1,000 feet beyond the approach end of runway 12, a 2,550-foot-long asphalt runway. The marks extended approximately 500 feet and terminated at the wreckage, which came to rest off the left side of the runway. The inspector noted that the left main landing gear remained extended, and damage was observed to the right wing and lower fuselage.
The airplane was equipped with a squat switch on both main landing gear to prevent inadvertent landing gear retraction on the ground; however, the switch required weight-on-wheels to work effectively.