N1945D

Substantial
None

BEECH C35S/N: D-3223

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
NTSB Number
CEN09CA307
Location
Englewood, CO
Event ID
20090520X91343
Coordinates
39.569999, -104.849166
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The collapse of the landing gear due to the mechanic's failure to properly wire the landing gear squat switch.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N1945D
Make
BEECH
Serial Number
D-3223
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1952
Model / ICAO
C35BE35
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SCHETGEN JEFF E
Address
5927 SADDLE CREEK TRL
Status
Deregistered
City
PARKER
State / Zip Code
CO 80134-5307
Country
United States

Analysis

During the takeoff roll, the airplane's main landing gear partially retracted and the nose landing gear collapsed completely. The airplane's left wing impacted the ground, resulting in structural damage. The airplane came to rest in an upright position on the runway, and the pilot and the airplane's mechanic were able to exit the airplane unassisted. Following the accident, an examination of the landing gear revealed that the mechanic had wired the landing gear squat switch incorrectly; resulting in a retraction of the landing gear once the landing strut was extended.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN09CA307