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2 fatalities

Fatal Belly Landing at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport (N27906)

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On August 10, 1980, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration N27906) operated by V. G. Livingston was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, United States of America during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot-in-command retracted the gear prematurely, causing the aircraft to crash on its belly. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed on its belly and burned at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport after the pilot retracted the landing gear prematurely, killing both occupants.

Incident Overview During the takeoff roll at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport, a twin-engine aircraft experienced a fatal accident. The aircraft sank onto its belly, slid for several yards, and came to rest in flames on the runway. The fire quickly destroyed the aircraft, and both occupants were killed. ## Official Findings The official investigation determined that the pilot-in-command retracted the landing gear prematurely, causing the aircraft to crash on its belly. All propellers were damaged due to contact with the runway surface. No other specific details regarding the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, or location beyond the airport were provided in the source.

Probable cause

The pilot-in-command retracted the gear prematurely, causing the aircraft to crash on its belly.

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Aug 1980 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, United States of America?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed on its belly and burned at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport after the pilot retracted the landing gear prematurely, killing both occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Aug 1980 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Aug 1980 involved a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration N27906, operated by V. G. Livingston, at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot-in-command retracted the gear prematurely, causing the aircraft to crash on its belly.

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