What happened
On January 25, 2016, a Beechcraft 58, registration PR-HHA, was performing a private flight from Brasília (SIQE) to Campo Grande (SBCG). The aircraft was carrying one pilot and three passengers. After landing on runway 06 at Campo Grande, the aircraft traveled approximately 420 meters along the runway when the landing gear unexpectedly retracted. The aircraft continued to slide for another 180 meters before coming to a complete stop on the right side of the runway. The incident resulted in light damage to the aircraft, but all four occupants were uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation by CENIPA focused on the mechanical functionality of the landing gear and the pilot's actions during the post-landing phase. Investigators found no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction in the landing gear components, including the extension locks. The aircraft's electrical actuator system was functioning correctly.
Crucially, the investigation revealed that the pilot mistakenly operated the landing gear lever while attempting to retract the flaps. The aircraft's cockpit configuration placed the landing gear lever on the right side of the center console and the flap lever on the left. The investigation noted that the pilot had recently been hired by the operator and had previously flown a more modern version of the same aircraft model, which featured an inverted control layout (gear on the left and flaps on the right). This difference in configuration led to a conditioned, automatic response that was inappropriate for the specific aircraft being operated.
While the aircraft was equipped with a safety switch in the main gear strut to prevent retraction while the aircraft was on the ground, the flight manual explicitly included a caution note instructing operators to "never rely" on this switch and to always ensure the gear command is in the down position during ground operations.
Findings
- Pilot error involving the incorrect manipulation of flight controls.
- Inattention to the specific control layout of the aircraft.
- Habitual response patterns derived from experience with a different aircraft configuration.