Probable cause
The pilot's distracted attention and failure to extend the landing gear, which resulted in a gear up landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was instructed by air traffic control to enter a right downwind following a corporate jet that was on final approach, and he was warned about wake turbulence. The pilot further stated that as he observed the jet pass by, he turned to watch it land so he could land beyond its touchdown point. The pilot revealed that in doing so, this interrupted him from completing his landing checklist and he failed to extend the landing gear. The airplane subsequently landed gear up which resulted in substantial damage to the airframe. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13CA422 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 21, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Seattle, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Boeing Field/King County Intl (BFI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech 35 - UNDESIGNAT
- N-number
- N5894S
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1965
- 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.