Probable cause
The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear prior to touchdown resulting in a landing with the landing gear retracted and consequent substantial damage.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, after completing the maintenance test flight, he established a normal approach to the runway. However, he reported that he did not extend the landing gear prior to touchdown and the airplane landed with the landing gear retracted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, left aileron and the bottom of the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with the airplane prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA161 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 18, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Huntsville, Alabama
- Nearest airport
- Huntsville Intl-Carl T Jones F (HSV)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech 58
- N-number
- N358CB
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1978
- 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.