Probable cause
Collapse of the landing gear during landing due to the incorrect installation of the landing gear actuator. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to initiate the abnormal procedures checklist prior to landing.
NTSB analysis
On the sixth touch-and-go of the flight, the private pilot did not receive the proper safe landing gear indications. During a low approach, the tower controller observed three landing gear extended. Satisfied with the visual inspection of the landing gear, the pilot did not initiate the abnormal procedures checklist and performed a landing. During the landing, the left main landing gear collapsed causing the airplane to go off of the side of the runway. The airplane came to a stop and the pilot egressed normally. An inspection revealed that a left main landing gear retraction rod was installed incorrectly several days prior to the accident flight. During the flight, the landing gear transmission/motor limit switch was damaged and rendered inoperative.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09LA137 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 18, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Farmington, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Four Corners Regional Airport (FMN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
Beech A36
- N-number
- N8074P
- 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.