Probable cause
The pilot's inadvertent use of the landing gear selector handle instead of the flap handle during landing rollout, which resulted in the collapse of the nose landing gear.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he had landed uneventfully at the conclusion of a local flight. However, during the landing rollout the pilot stated that he mistakenly selected the landing gear handle instead of the flap handle. As a result, the nose landing gear collapsed, damaging the nose gear support fittings and nose gear assembly. The pilot noted that there were no failures or malfunctions associated with the airplane prior to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA356 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 20, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Charleston, Missouri
- Nearest airport
- Mississippi County (CHQ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech A36
- N-number
- N451S
- 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.