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Houston Airport Belly Landing and Fire (N812JR)

Alief-Andrau Airpark (Houston), United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On November 21, 1969, a Beechcraft 60 Duke (registration N812JR) operated by United States Leasing Corporation was involved in an aviation accident near Alief-Andrau Airpark (Houston), United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot inadvertently retracted the landing gear after touchdown. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

After landing at Houston Airport, a pilot accidentally retracted the landing gear, causing the aircraft to belly-land, slide, and catch fire. The pilot escaped uninjured, but the aircraft was destroyed.

Incident Overview and Outcome During a routine landing at Houston Airport, the pilot initiated the braking procedure but inadvertently raised the landing gear. As a result, the aircraft sank onto its belly and slid for approximately a dozen yards before coming to a stop in flames. The pilot was able to escape the burning aircraft without injury, while the airframe was completely destroyed. The official investigation identified the pilot's inadvertent retraction of the landing gear after touchdown as the probable cause of the accident. No other factors or specific aircraft details were provided in the source material.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Nov 1969 Beechcraft 60 Duke accident near Alief-Andrau Airpark (Houston), United States of America?

After landing at Houston Airport, a pilot accidentally retracted the landing gear, causing the aircraft to belly-land, slide, and catch fire. The pilot escaped uninjured, but the aircraft was destroyed.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Nov 1969 Beechcraft 60 Duke accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Nov 1969 involved a Beechcraft 60 Duke, registration N812JR, operated by United States Leasing Corporation, at Alief-Andrau Airpark (Houston), United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot inadvertently retracted the landing gear after touchdown.

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