Rockwell International 690B N690AX accident near Fairbanks, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control during takeoff resulting in a gear-up landing on the runway. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s momentary distraction from within the airplane.

NTSB analysis

The operator reported that the pilot taxied out on to the runway, and upon receiving a takeoff clearance, began the takeoff roll. As the airplane rotated and began to climb, the pilot retracted the landing gear, subsequently, a gallon jug of water slid to the back of the airplane and impacted the aft cabin bulkhead, making a loud “bang” sound. The pilot looked back towards the noise to assess the nature of the sound and inadvertently allowed the airplane to descend and contact the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC25LA067 for the full record.