What happened
On June 1, 1968, a Beech Bonanza, registration HB-EFK, was performing a landing at the Aérodrome de la Côte in the Canton of Vaud. The aircraft initially completed a correct landing on the runway. However, shortly after touchdown, the retractable landing gear collapsed.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the aircraft and the actions of the pilot during the landing sequence. Investigators determined that the collapse was not due to a mechanical failure of the gear itself, but rather a result of improper cockpit management. The investigation established that the pilot inadvertently operated the landing gear lever while attempting to adjust the flaps.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was pilot error, specifically the accidental retraction of the landing gear during the landing roll.
- There were no injuries resulting from the incident.
- The aircraft sustained serious damage as a result of the gear collapse.