What happened
On 28 January 2005, a Beech Bonanza C3/5, registration N60256, was performing a private flight test at Southend Airport to evaluate recent maintenance adjustments. The flight was intended to verify the functionality of the landing gear warning system. During the approach, the aircraft encountered challenging weather characterized by light rain and significant wind gusts, with speeds reaching up to 31 knots.
As the pilot approached the runway, the aircraft was flying at a higher speed than recommended due to the difficult wind conditions and time constraints. After touching down, the pilot attempted to raise the flaps to reduce lift and assist in vacating the runway. However, the pilot inadvertently selected the landing gear to the UP position. Although the pilot quickly attempted to correct the error by selecting the gear DOWN, the retraction sequence had already begun. The aircraft subsequently slid to a halt on the runway, resulting in damage to the propeller, nose gear assembly, and landing gear doors.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the aircraft and the landing gear mechanism. Testing revealed that the landing gear safety switch, which is designed to prevent accidental retraction while the aircraft is on the ground, was slightly out of adjustment. Specifically, the switch closed 1/8 inch earlier than the required 3/4 inch setting. However, investigators determined this discrepancy was minimal and not a primary cause of the accident.
Analysis of the aircraft's maintenance history showed that the pilot had been testing the landing gear warning horn during the flight. The investigation also noted that the pilot's class rating for single-engine piston aircraft was invalid due to a failure to comply with updated regulatory requirements for revalidation.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's error in selecting the landing gear UP instead of the flap switch.
- The landing gear system and the safety switch were found to be functional and serviceable.
- The aircraft was operating in high wind conditions that were near the operational limits of the aircraft.
- The pilot's class rating was invalid at the time of the occurrence.