Accident Details
On 10 June 2008 at 1350 hours UTC, a Beech H35 (Modified) Bonanza, registration G-ASJL, sustained damage to its nose and main landing gear, propeller, and engine during a landing accident at Compton Abbas Airfield, Dorset. The aircraft was manufactured in 1957 and powered by a single Continental Motors Corp IO-520-BA12B piston engine. The flight was private, carrying one pilot and one passenger. Neither occupant reported injuries.
Pilot Information
The commander held a Private Pilot’s Licence and was 41 years old. His total flying experience was 195 hours, with 37 hours on the Bonanza type. In the preceding 90 days he had flown 13 hours, and 6 hours in the last 28 days.
Events of the Flight
The approach and touchdown were normal. During the rollout, approximately halfway along the runway, the landing gear collapsed without warning. The aircraft slewed to the left and came to a halt, blocking the runway. The pilot then turned off the fuel and electrical services, and both occupants vacated the aircraft without injury.
Post-Accident Considerations
The pilot reflected that he may have inadvertently selected the landing gear switch to UP, intending to retract the flaps. The aircraft was equipped with a weight-on-wheels microswitch designed to prevent gear retraction while on the ground. However, the pilot noted that the slightly undulating nature of the runway might have caused the microswitch to open momentarily during the rollout, allowing the gear to retract.