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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

February 22, 1996 · Beech 35 · N3363V

Laurel, MT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 22, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Laurel, MT
Aircraft
Beech 35
Tail Number
N3363V
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA96LA058

The pilot reported that after he entered the pattern for landing, he began the 'GUMP' preparations while making announcements of his position. The flight was conducted after dark, and the pilot stated that he did not visually check to make sure that the landing gear was extended because there was no light that showed the mechanical position of the landing gear. The pilot also stated that the red landing gear panel light was out and the warning horn did not sound. The airplane touched down with the landing gear retracted.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to extend the landing gear. Factors related to the accident were: an inoperative gear warning system, the dark night, and the pilot's failure to follow the checklist.

Full Narrative

On February 21, 1996, at 1900 mountain standard time, a Beech 35, N3363V, registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 CFR 91 personal flight, landed with the landing gear retracted at Laurel, Montana. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot and his passenger were not injured. The flight originated from Columbus, Montana, about one half hour before the accident. The pilot reported that he was returning to Laurel after washing his airplane. The pilot stated that he entered the traffic pattern for runway 22 and began his "GUMP" preparations while making announcements of his position in the pattern. The pilot stated that he did not visually check to make sure that the landing gear was extended, as there was no light that showed the mechanical position of the landing gear. The pilot also stated that the red landing gear panel light was out and the warning horn did not sound. The airplane touched down with the landing gear unintentionally retracted. After the accident, the pilot had the airplane drug approximately 20 feet to clear the runway. Later, the airplane was raised and the landing gear was extended. The airplane was then towed to the parking area. The pilot claims that the structural damage to the bulkhead was done when the airplane was drug off the runway. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector from the Helena, Montana, Flight Standards District Office and two FAA certificated mechanics reported that the bulkhead was ground down and the material was thin. The FAA inspector and one mechanic felt that the extensive grinding was a result of the gear up landing. The second mechanic did not have an opinion.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 MST
Nearest AirportLaurel Muni (0nm)
Runway22
Runway Length3775 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech 35
Tail NumberN3363V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · E-185-8 · Reciprocating · 185
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 39 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind130° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 19 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time01:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data