Probable cause
The pilot's failure to lower the landing gear prior to landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to use a checklist and the distraction caused by the discussion with the passenger.
NTSB analysis
The pilot decided to make a straight-in visual-flight-rules approach to the destination airport after a flight of less than 10 minutes from his point of departure. There was departing traffic at the non-controlled destination airport and the pilot said that he became distracted while discussing that traffic with his passenger. The pilot, who said he normally makes sure that the gear is down while on downwind, did not use a checklist and failed to lower the gear prior to landing. The subsequent contact with the runway surface resulted in damage to a fuselage bulkhead.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA101 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 14, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Port Townsend, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Jefferson Co. Internat'L A/P (0S9)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech K35
- N-number
- N411B
- 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.