What happened
On February 12, 2004, a Beechcraft D95A, registration EC-BCB, was conducting a dual-instruction flight departing from and returning to Sabadell Airport. The flight was intended to be a standard training session lasting approximately one hour.
During the landing phase, the aircraft successfully made contact with the runway. After traveling approximately 50 meters along the runway surface, the landing gear was retracted. Following the retraction, the aircraft continued to travel for another 100 meters on its belly before coming to a complete stop. During this sequence, the aircraft drifted toward the right side of the runway but did not depart the paved surface.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of cockpit actions during the landing roll. Based on statements provided by the crew, investigators determined that the landing gear lever was moved while the aircraft was still on the ground. The investigation established that the pilot intended to adjust the flaps but instead manipulated the gear lever.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained significant damage to the propellers, engines, and the lower portion of the fuselage.
- The primary cause of the incident was the erroneous activation of the landing gear retraction lever during the landing roll, which occurred when the pilot intended to operate the flap lever.
- Both occupants of the aircraft escaped the wreckage without injury.