Probable cause
The collapse of the landing gear due to the mechanic's failure to properly wire the landing gear squat switch.
NTSB analysis
During the takeoff roll, the airplane's main landing gear partially retracted and the nose landing gear collapsed completely. The airplane's left wing impacted the ground, resulting in structural damage. The airplane came to rest in an upright position on the runway and the pilot and the airplane's mechanic were able to exit the airplane unassisted. Following the accident, an examination of the landing gear revealed that the mechanic had wired the landing gear squat switch incorrectly, resulting in a retraction of the landing gear once the landing strut was extended.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA307 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 19, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Englewood, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Centennial Airport (APA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech C35
- N-number
- N1945D
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.