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Aircraft Settles Back onto Runway After Premature Gear Retraction on Takeoff (N919RD)

Santa Fe, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On December 16, 1999, a Piper PA-31 Cheyenne (registration N919RD) operated by Robert J. Denison was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Fe, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot initiating lift off at an airspeed insufficient to maintain flight and retracting the landing gear prematurely resulting in a stall mush. A factor was the pilot incorrectly setting the elevator trim. 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

During a cross-country flight takeoff, the pilot raised the landing gear after liftoff, and the aircraft settled onto the ground off the runway end. Both engines produced normal power; elevator trim was set at 12° nose-up instead of the required 3-6°. The pilot lowered the gear before impact.

Accident Details

During the initiation of a cross-country flight, the pilot raised the landing gear following liftoff. The aircraft then settled back onto the ground off the end of the runway. According to the pilot and an FAA inspector who examined the aircraft, both engines were producing normal power. The aircraft was within weight and balance limits.

Pilot Actions

The elevator trim was set at 12 degrees nose-up, whereas the required setting was 3-6 degrees. The pilot lowered the landing gear prior to impact.

Aircraft Information

According to information provided by the aircraft manufacturer, induced drag increases during landing gear retraction and extension due to the landing gear doors being extended into the air stream as the landing gear cycles.

Official Findings

The probable cause, as stated in official findings, is: The pilot initiating lift off at an airspeed insufficient to maintain flight and retracting the landing gear prematurely resulting in a stall mush. A factor was the pilot incorrectly setting the elevator trim.

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Dec 1999 Piper PA-31 Cheyenne accident near Santa Fe, United States of America?

During a cross-country flight takeoff, the pilot raised the landing gear after liftoff, and the aircraft settled onto the ground off the runway end. Both engines produced normal power; elevator trim was set at 12° nose-up instead of the required 3-6°. The pilot lowered the gear before impact.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Dec 1999 Piper PA-31 Cheyenne accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Dec 1999 involved a Piper PA-31 Cheyenne, registration N919RD, operated by Robert J. Denison, at Santa Fe, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot initiating lift off at an airspeed insufficient to maintain flight and retracting the landing gear prematurely resulting in a stall mush. A factor was the pilot incorrectly setting the elevator trim.

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