N120PA

On May 28, 2022, about 1202 eastern daylight time, a Beech 58, N120PA, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Perry, Georgia. The private pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot’s written statement, he was completing a short cross-country flight. While on a downwind leg of the traffic pattern at the destination airport, the pilot extended the landing gear. The subsequent touchdown was normal; however, the main landing gear collapsed during rollout. The airplane veered right and came to rest upright off the right side of the runway.

A mechanic was subsequently preparing a repair estimate for the airplane and noted that the flaps were in the retracted position. When he asked the pilot about the flaps, the pilot stated that the flaps retracted uncommanded when the landing gear retracted uncommanded.

Initial examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the lower fuselage. The inspector further examined the airplane in a hangar, on jacks, with external power applied. Due to impact damage, the landing gear could not be fully retracted and extended; however, he was able to partially retract and extend the landing gear to confirm electrical continuity to the landing gear system. Additionally, both weight on wheels switches tested satisfactorily. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were identified. The inspector added that the landing gear doors were open, consistent with the landing gear being in transit at the time of impact.