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Crew Distraction Cited in Wheels-Up Landing (N600UA)

Cold Bay (ex Fort Randall AAF & Thornbrough AFB), United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On June 12, 2011, a Douglas DC-6 (registration N600UA) operated by Universal Airlines (1996) was involved in an aviation accident near Cold Bay (ex Fort Randall AAF & Thornbrough AFB), United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight crew's failure to extend the landing gear, which resulted in an inadvertent wheels up landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight crew's diverted attention. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

The captain of an airplane reported that during approach he distracted the crew by pointing out a boat dock. After touchdown, the landing gear was not extended, causing the aircraft to slide on its belly and sustain substantial damage to the underside of the fuselage.

Background

The captain provided a statement detailing the events of the approach and landing. He indicated that during the approach phase, he diverted the crew's attention by pointing out a boat dock. The crew subsequently failed to extend the landing gear before touchdown.

Incident Details

After the airplane touched down, it slid on its belly. The captain realized at that moment that the landing gear was not extended. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the underside of the fuselage. The captain noted that the crew did not hear the landing gear retracted warning horn during the approach. He also reported that no mechanical malfunctions were present that would have prevented normal operation. The captain stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had not distracted the crew.

Probable Cause

The investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was the flight crew's failure to extend the landing gear, which resulted in an inadvertent wheels-up landing. A contributing factor was the flight crew's diverted attention.

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