Accident Number: CEN21LA453
Date and Time: September 17, 2021, 10:12 Local
Registration: N9835R
Aircraft: Beech M35
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Landing gear not configured
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional
Analysis
The pilot and flight instructor were conducting a flight review when on the downwind leg of the airport traffic pattern the pilot reduced the throttle to idle to simulate an engine failure, but then inadvertently extended the flaps instead of the landing gear. While on short final, the pilot increased engine power to ensure that the airplane reached the runway and, as such, the landing gear horn did not sound. However, when engine power was subsequently reduced to idle before touch down, the pilot then heard the landing gear horn and the airplane landed on the runway with the landing gear retracted. The airplane came to rest on the runway and sustained substantial damage to the engine keel beam. The pilot and flight instructor both reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot and flight instructor’s failure to ensure that the landing gear were extended prior to landing.
Findings
Personnel issues Use of equip/system - Pilot
Personnel issues Use of equip/system - Instructor/check pilot
Aircraft Main landing gear - Not used/operated
Factual Information
History of Flight
Landing-flare/touchdown Landing gear not configured (Defining event)
Pilot Information
Certificate: Private
Age: 39, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Lap only
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 3 With waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: November 25, 2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: August 23, 2019
Flight Time: (Estimated)
Flight instructor Information
Certificate: Airline transport; Commercial; Flight instructor
Age: 38, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Lap only
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane single-engine
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: October 1, 2020
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: January 24, 2021
Flight Time: 5970 hours (Total, all aircraft), 36 hours (Total, this make and model), 3526 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 69 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 17 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration: N9835R
Model/Series: M35
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1960
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: D-6359
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 5
Date/Type of Last Inspection: April 23, 2021 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2960 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3041.9 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental Motors
ELT: C91 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-470C
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 250 Horsepower
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KAIZ, 869 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 09:56 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 98°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 170°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.12 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C / 19°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Saint Louis, MO (KSUS)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Osage Beach, MO
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 09:15 Local
Type of Airspace: Class G
Airport Information
Airport: GRAND GLAIZE-OSAGE BEACH K15
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 876 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 14/32
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3205 ft / 60 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full stop; Simulated forced landing; Traffic pattern
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 38.110752,-92.680852 (est)
