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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

December 15, 1995 · Swearingen SA-226AT · N31AT

Detroit, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 15, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Detroit, MI
Aircraft
Swearingen SA-226AT
Tail Number
N31AT
Operator
Air Transportation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI96LA053

The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, the airplane's left engine started to surge. The airplane also began experiencing intermittent electrical surges which caused the instrument panel lights, cabin lights, and radios to go off and on. The pilot diverted to an alternate airport to land. He did not secure the left engine before landing because it was still developing some usable power. He placed the gear select handle in the down position and observed three green gear-down-and-locked lights. Prior to touchdown, both power levers were positioned to flight idle and no gear warning horn sounded. The airplane landed gear up. Postaccident examination revealed no abnormalities with the landing gear or electrical system. The landing gear emergency extension functioned properly. The landing gear indicating system showed a safe gear indication when the gear was extended during examination. Substantial damage to the gear doors was observed, but no damage to the landing gear was observed.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to extend the landing gear. A factor in the accident was the pilot's diverted attention.

Full Narrative

On December 15, 1995, at 0423 eastern standard time (est), a Swearingen SA-226AT, N31AT, operated by Air Transportation Inc. of El Paso, Texas, was substantially damaged when it landed gear up at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Detroit, Michigan. The pilot reported no injuries. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated on an IFR flight plan. The 14 CFR Part 91 repositioning flight had departed Flint, Michigan, at 0401 est, with an intended destination of Louisville, Kentucky. The pilot reported that shortly after departing Flint, the airplane's left engine started to surge. The airplane also began experiencing intermittent electrical surges causing the instrument panel lights, cabin lights, and radios to go OFF and ON. The pilot stated that he decided to divert to Detroit and land because the airport had emergency equipment available. The pilot stated that he did not advise ATC of any problem while diverting because he believed that he could land without incident. The pilot did not attempt to secure the left engine before landing because it was still developing some usable power. The pilot stated he placed the gear select handle in the DOWN position and he observed three green gear down and locked lights. He stated that prior to touchdown, he positioned both power levers to flight idle and no gear warning horn sounded. The airplane landed on the runway gear up. Postaccident examination and testing of the landing gear and electrical power revealed no abnormalities. The landing gear emergency extension functioned properly. The landing gear indicating system showed a safe gear indication when the gear was extended during examination. Substantial damage to the gear doors was observed, but no damage to the landing gear was observed.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time04:23 EST
Nearest AirportDetroit Metro (0nm)
Runway21R
Runway Length12001 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSwearingen SA-226AT
Tail NumberN31AT
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAir Transportation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsGarrett · 331-3U-330G · Turboprop · 840
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDark Night
Wind9 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingOvercast 900 ft
Temperature / Dew Point36 C / 30 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time09:03
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data