Probable cause
The failure of the landing gear retraction/extension mechanism due to it being jammed by displaced sound proofing material.
NTSB analysis
The pilot elected to return to the airport following the display of an unsafe landing gear light. Following a flyby and visual check by the airport's control tower, the pilot proceeded to land. During touchdown the main landing gear collapsed and the airplane's belly sustained structural damage. An examination of the landing gear revealed that the failure was due to sound proofing material being caught in the landing gear retraction/extension mechanism.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08CA194 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 17, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Midland, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Midland International (MAF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech 65-A80
- N-number
- N6AQ
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
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.