Probable cause
The retraction of the landing gear after landing for unknown reasons.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that shortly after he exited the runway after landing, the nose landing gear collapsed. According to his written statement, “neither the flaps had been retracted yet or a command given to retract the landing gear.” He immediately shut off the mixture to the engine, took photos of the cockpit controls, and exited the airplane.
Examination of the accident site and wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the flaps were in the down position, the nose landing gear was fully retracted, the left main landing gear was about 80% retracted, and the right main landing gear was about 50% retracted. A visual examination of the taxiway revealed a 25 ft ground scar. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. Postaccident examination of the landing gear system revealed no evidence of any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA166 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 16, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cleveland, Tennessee
- Nearest airport
- Cleveland Regional Jetport (RZR)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech C35
- N-number
- N8702
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1951
- 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.