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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

April 26, 1997 · Piper PA-31-350 · N59985

Selawik, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 26, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Selawik, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-31-350
Tail Number
N59985
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC97LA069

The pilot reported he was in the airport traffic pattern preparing for a full stop landing. While accomplishing his prelanding check list, his attention was diverted by a departing airplane. When he reduced engine power just prior to touchdown, he heard the gear warning horn sound, but was unable to react in time to prevent a wheels up landing.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear. A factor associated with the accident was the pilot's diverted attention while in the landing pattern.

Full Narrative

On April 25, 1997, about 1615 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-31-350 airplane, N59985, operated by Yute Air as Flight 905, sustained substantial damage during a gear up landing at the Selawik Airport, Selawik, Alaska. The solo airline transport certificated pilot was not injured. The 14 CFR Part 135 scheduled commuter flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. A company visual flight rules flight plan was in effect. The pilot reported to the NTSB he transmitted his position on a common traffic advisory frequency as he entered a left downwind for runway 3 at the Selawik airstrip. The pilot wrote: "As the pilot was reaching for the landing gear lever, another aircraft on the ground called requesting the position of the incoming aircraft. The pilot responded to the caller and completed the check list. The aircraft continued the approach and landed on runway 3 with the landing gear in the up position." The pilot also noted in his report to the NTSB that there was no prelanding mechanical difficulties or malfunction with the airplane. According to the Director of Operations for Yute Air, the pilot told him he forgot to put the landing gear down, and that the gear warning horn activated just as he reduced power and the airplane settled onto the gravel runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage belly bulkheads.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:15 AKDT
Nearest AirportSELAWIK (0nm)
Runway3
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-31-350
Tail NumberN59985
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 135
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540-J2BD · Reciprocating · 350
Seats10

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 54 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 6 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data