N930DP

On March 14, 1995, at 2245 eastern standard time, a Beech 58, N930DP, operated by Welch Aviation, Inc., Alpena, Michigan, was substantially damaged when it landed with its landing gear in the retracted position at Kent County International Airport, Grand Rapids, Michigan. The pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 135 cargo flight originated from Jackson, Michigan, at 1930. An IFR flight plan was filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.

After taking off from Jackson County-Reynolds Field Airport, the pilot stated he heard a "snap" at the end of the gear retraction sequence. He stated all gear lights indicated that the gear was stowed and the airplane was climbing normally, so he decided to continue the flight to Grand Rapids. As they approached Grand Rapids, the pilot stated that he was unable to extend the landing gear. "I then executed the landing gear manual extension checklist, but there was no tension on the handcrank and no indications on the lights," the pilot stated. "At this time I began to anticipate a gear up landing."

For two and a half hours, the pilot and passenger circled the airport trying to correct the problem and to burn fuel in preparation for a possible gear up landing. The pilot was unable to extend the landing gear. At 2230, the pilot stated they began to prepare for a gear up landing. He followed the gear up landing checklist in the Pilot's Operating Handbook and landed the airplane gear up on Runway 26L.

A postaccident investigation of the landing gear revealed a bushing, (P/N 35-810077-3), for the actuator worm gear fractured.