No fatalities

Learjet 23 Lands Gear-Up at Oakdale Airport (N37BL)

Oakdale, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On March 4, 1998, a Learjet 23 (registration N37BL) operated by Sierra West Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Oakdale, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the flight crew to extend the landing gear before landing. 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 archiveUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

On March 4, 1998, a Learjet 23 (N37BL) landed with retracted gear at Oakdale, California. The two pilots were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported the gear was never extended.

Incident

On March 4, 1998, at 1350 hours Pacific standard time, a Learjet 23, registration N37BL, sustained substantial damage after landing with the landing gear retracted at the Oakdale, California, airport. The flight was a familiarization and training flight operating under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed.

Occupants and Injuries

The aircraft was occupied solely by an airline transport pilot and a check pilot. Neither occupant reported any injuries. No property damage occurred.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated in his report, "the landing gear was never extended and the aircraft was landed with the gear retracted."

Aircraft Damage

The Learjet 23 was substantially damaged as a result of the gear-up landing.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause of the accident was determined to be the failure of the flight crew to extend the landing gear before landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Mar 1998 Learjet 23 accident near Oakdale, United States of America?

On March 4, 1998, a Learjet 23 (N37BL) landed with retracted gear at Oakdale, California. The two pilots were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported the gear was never extended.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Mar 1998 Learjet 23 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Mar 1998 involved a Learjet 23, registration N37BL, operated by Sierra West Airlines, at Oakdale, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the flight crew to extend the landing gear before landing.