Accident Details
On 17 April 2001 at 0835 UTC, a Beech N35 aircraft, registration G-ARKJ, was involved in an accident at Earls Colne Airfield, Essex. The aircraft was on a private flight from Shoreham. The pilot made a visual approach to Runway 24, which had a damp grass surface. Weather conditions were good with a light westerly surface wind. Prior to landing, 'Earls Colne Radio' had asked the pilot to land to the left of the centre-line due to the surface conditions.
Upon touchdown, the pilot realised that he had not lowered the landing gear. The aircraft slid to a stop on the runway. The landing gear warning system, which was fitted to the aircraft, did not operate on this occasion.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Beech N35, manufactured in 1961, powered by one Continental IO-470-N piston engine. The pilot held an Airline Transport Pilot's Licence and was 54 years old. His total flying experience was 19,766 hours, including 34 hours on type. In the last 90 days he had flown 125 hours, and in the last 28 days, 70 hours.
The aircraft sustained damage to the underside of the fuselage, flaps, and propeller, and the engine was shock-loaded. There were no injuries to the pilot, who was the sole occupant.
Source of Information
The information for this report was derived from the Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot.