What happened
While performing a takeoff roll at Chicago-Midway Airport, an aircraft experienced a significant mechanical incident involving its undercarriage. During the initial phase of the takeoff, the pilot accidentally engaged the retraction mechanism for the landing gear while the plane was still in motion on the runway.
As a result of this action, the aircraft's structure settled onto the ground surface. The movement caused the plane to slide across the pavement for several yards before it finally came to a stop. Although the pilot escaped the incident without any injuries, the impact and subsequent sliding resulted in the aircraft being damaged beyond repair.
Findings
Investigations into the event concluded that the primary factor was the premature retraction of the undercarriage during the takeoff sequence.