N718CD

Substantial
None

BEECH 35-B33S/N: CD-718

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, October 11, 2014
NTSB Number
CEN15CA011
Location
Effingham, IL
Event ID
20141015X91845
Coordinates
39.070556, -88.533607
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to lower the landing gear.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
BEECH
Serial Number
CD-718
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
35-B33BE33
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
35-B33

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
BUSSING ROBERT C
Address
12400 MCGREGOR PALMS DR
City
FORT MYERS
State / Zip Code
FL 33908-3052
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that 30 minutes after departure at 6,000 feet mean sea level, the airplane's door opened in flight. He stated that the temperature dropped, papers went flying about the cabin, and the noise was 'overwhelming.' The passenger tried to hold the door shut, but could not secured it. The pilot diverted to a nearby airport for landing. The pilot stated that he "simply forgot to put the gear down." The airplane touched down and skidded on its belly resulting in substantial damage to the airplane's stringers, formers, and main spar carry through. The pilot reported that there was no malfunction or system failure of the airplane before the accident.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN15CA011