N9098Q

On June 28, 2002 at 1450 eastern daylight time, a Beech 58, N9098Q, experienced a gear collapse on landing at Nashville International Airport in Nashville, Tennessee. The airplane, registered to and owned by Flight Express, Inc., was operated by the airline transport pilot, accompanied by a company mechanic. The maintenance flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Neither occupant sustained injuries, and the airplane received minor damaged. The flight originated from Nashville International Airport, in Nashville, Tennessee, at 1430.

According to the airline transport pilot,and the mechanic, this flight was necessary to complete the annual inspection of the airplane. The purpose of the flight was to verify engine takeoff RPM and to verify throttle position for the landing gear warning horn micro-switches. The takeoff and climb were normal, and the gear warning horn was tested during downwind. The gear warning horn did not sound when the throttle was reduced. When the landing gear lever was lowered for landing, the landing gear green light illuminated. After touchdown, the landing gear collapsed.

Examination of the accident site revealed 17 left propeller strike marks at the approach end of the runway 20C. This was followed by the left inboard gear door dragging on the runway for approximately 1500 feet before the left propeller began to strike again. The airplane continued 500 feet down the runway and the right propeller began to strike the surface. The nose of the airplane pitched forward and slid 263 feet before coming to a stop.

Examination of the airplane revealed, after the airplane was lifted off the runway the landing gear extended and locked. The main landing gear system was removed and overhauled in accordance with the Beechcraft maintenance manual. No other mechanical malfunctions were noted with the main landing gear system.