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NTSB Report
August 27, 1989 · Piper PA-23-160 · N8886
Eau Claire, WI
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 27, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Eau Claire, WI
Aircraft
Piper PA-23-160
Tail Number
N8886
Operator
Virgil L Barnes
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI89LA176
THE PILOT STATED THAT HIS INTENTION WAS TO PERFORM A TOUCH-AND-GO. HE REPORTED THAT AFTER A SUCCESSFUL LANDING, HE 'RAISED WHAT I THOUGHT WAS THE FLAP CONTROL LEVER WITHOUT LOOKING DOWN . . . I REALIZED THAT I INADVERTENTLY RAISED THE GEAR CONTROL LEVER INSTEAD . . .' THE AIRCRAFT CAME TO A STOP ON THE GRASS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY, WITH THE LANDING GEAR UP. THE PILOT REPORTED A TOTAL FLIGHT TIME OF 1,193 HOURS, OF WHICH 4 HOURS WERE IN THE ACCIDENT MAKE AND MODEL AIRCRAFT. HE ALSO STATED THAT HIS FLIGHT EXPERIENCE AND HABITS HAD BEEN DEVELOPED IN AIRCRAFT WITH A DIFFERENT FLAP/GEAR HANDLE CONFIGURATION.
NTSB Probable Cause
INADVERTENT RETRACTION OF THE LANDING GEAR BY THE PILOT. HIS HABIT INTERFERENCE AND LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THE TYPE OF AIRCRAFT WERE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT STATED THAT HIS INTENTION WAS TO PERFORM A TOUCH-AND-GO. HE REPORTED THAT AFTER A SUCCESSFUL LANDING, HE 'RAISED WHAT I THOUGHT WAS THE FLAP CONTROL LEVER WITHOUT LOOKING DOWN . . . I REALIZED THAT I INADVERTENTLY RAISED THE GEAR CONTROL LEVER INSTEAD . . .' THE AIRCRAFT CAME TO A STOP ON THE GRASS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY, WITH THE LANDING GEAR UP. THE PILOT REPORTED A TOTAL FLIGHT TIME OF 1,193 HOURS, OF WHICH 4 HOURS WERE IN THE ACCIDENT MAKE AND MODEL AIRCRAFT. HE ALSO STATED THAT HIS FLIGHT EXPERIENCE AND HABITS HAD BEEN DEVELOPED IN AIRCRAFT WITH A DIFFERENT FLAP/GEAR HANDLE CONFIGURATION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:04 CDT
Nearest AirportEau Claire County (0nm N)
Runway32
Runway Length4999 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-23-160
Tail NumberN8886
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorVirgil L Barnes
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B3B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 31 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 5 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingOvercast 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:08
Weather SourceWFAC