FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Aircraft Belly Lands After Landing Gear Not Extended During Training Flight (N73135)

Santa Barbara, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On November 12, 1968, a Convair CV-580 (registration N73135) operated by Tex Johnson Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Barbara, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by the combination of the following factors: - The student pilot failed to extend the landing gear on approach, - Inadequate supervision of flight on part of the pilot-in-command, - The crew failed to use the approach checklist, - The… 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight at Santa Barbara Airport, an aircraft performed a belly landing after the landing gear was not extended. All four occupants escaped uninjured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Incident Overview

A training flight at Santa Barbara Airport concluded with a belly landing after the aircraft's landing gear was not extended. The aircraft slid for a few dozen yards along the runway before coming to rest. All four occupants aboard evacuated without injury. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it beyond repair.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation identified multiple factors contributing to the accident. The student pilot failed to extend the landing gear during the approach. The pilot-in-command provided inadequate supervision of the flight. Additionally, the crew did not use the approach checklist. The investigation also found that the landing gear warning horn was inoperative for an undetermined reason.

Probable Cause

The accident was caused by the combination of the following factors:

  • The student pilot failed to extend the landing gear on approach,
  • Inadequate supervision of flight on part of the pilot-in-command,
  • The crew failed to use the approach checklist,
  • The landing gear warning horn was inoperative for undetermined reason.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Nov 1968 Convair CV-580 accident near Santa Barbara, United States of America?

During a training flight at Santa Barbara Airport, an aircraft performed a belly landing after the landing gear was not extended. All four occupants escaped uninjured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Nov 1968 Convair CV-580 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Nov 1968 involved a Convair CV-580, registration N73135, operated by Tex Johnson Inc., at Santa Barbara, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the combination of the following factors: - The student pilot failed to extend the landing gear on approach, - Inadequate supervision of flight on part of the pilot-in-command, - The crew failed to use the approach checklist, - The landing gear warning horn was inoperative for undetermined…

More accident analyses