Probable cause
A malfunction of the landing gear selector switch and a loose fitting on the emergency extension system which rendered the landing gear system inoperable.
NTSB analysis
While on final approach to the intended destination airport, the landing gear was selected and the landing gear circuit breaker popped. After initial troubleshooting of the system, the pilot initiated the "Landing Gear Will Not Extend Normally" checklist. The pilot activated the nitrogen blowdown bottle, but the landing gear did not extend. The pilot elected to land gear up utilizing a longer runway at an alternate airport. During the flare, the pilot shut off both engines, and the airplane settled on to the runway. An examination of the landing gear system found that a fitting had separated on the blowdown bottle system resulting in a failure of the emergency extension system. In addition, the airplane's operator discovered a faulty landing gear selector switch.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09LA415 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 3, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Albuquerque International (KABQ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Light
- Night, dark
Cessna 441
- N-number
- N988AE
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Positioning
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.