N219VP

On June 2, 2021, at 2000 mountain daylight time, a Beech 1900, N219VP, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Denver, Colorado. The airline transport pilot was uninjured. The airplane was operated by Alpine Air Express as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 on-demand cargo flight.

The pilot stated that, on final approach to Denver International Airport (DEN), Denver, Colorado, he lowered the landing gear, placed the propeller controls forward, confirmed that the landing gear position indicator lights illuminated green, and completed the before landing checklist. He said that he felt the drag associated with the gear being extended, but the airplane was not slowing as much as usual. He said that he planned his approach to land at the furthest point of the touchdown zone to clear the runway for traffic behind him. As the airplane crossed the runway threshold, the pilot heard a transmission from the controller to check gear down. He believed that a transmission from an aircraft also told him to check that the landing gear was down. He said that he looked at the landing gear control handle and confirmed three green lights while the airplane was touching down. He reported that the landing was smooth and felt normal, but within a few seconds, the propellers impacted the ground.

Airport surveillance video showed the airplane approach runway 17R with the landing gear fully retracted. All landing gear remained retracted while the airplane was over the runway and just prior to touchdown.

Postaccident examination of the airplane under the supervision of the Federal Aviation Administration revealed that the airplane wing flaps were retracted. The airplane sustained substantial damage that included damage to the bottom fuselage lateral bulkheads and stringers. Examination of the landing gear and landing gear indicating/warning system revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.