# NTSB CHI96LA144: Beech B55B, N8496N, Manhattan, KS, April 22, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 21, 1996, 19:06 local (Apr 22, 1996, 00:06 UTC) - Place: Manhattan, KS - Coordinates: 39.270984, -96.690292 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.2710&lon=-96.6903&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report December 16, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 10237 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI96LA144 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10237/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA144 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to properly extend the landing gear. A factor was his failure to follow checklist procedures. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Wheels up landing, landing - gear extension - improper, pilot in command (cause) - checklist - not followed, pilot in command (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot reported that he slowed the airplane and performed a 'GUMPS' check on base. He wrote that he 'thought the wheels were down at this point.' He said he performed another 'GUMPS' check on final. He 'flared normally and went to idle...touched down, and after 2 seconds the nose dropped, and [the airplane] began to slide.' He reported that he heard the landing gear warning horn during the flare, but thought it was the stall warning horn. He reported that when he returned to the airplane five minutes after the accident, he observed the landing gear control handle in an intermediate position between the center and bottom detent. The landing gear system functioned normally during an operational check. ## Factual narrative On March 21, 1996, at 1906 central daylight time, a Beech B55B, N8496N, sustained substantial damage during a gear up landing in Manhattan, Kansas. The private pilot reported no injuries. The personal, 14 CFR Part 91 flight originated in Aurora, Illinois about 1630 with a planned destination of Manhattan, Kansas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an IFR flight plan was filed. In his written statement the pilot reported that he canceled instrument flight rules with Kansas City Center when he had his destination airport in sight. He slowed the airplane and performed a "GUMPS" check. He wrote that he "thought the wheels were down at this point." He said he performed another "GUMPS" check on final. He "flared normally and went to idle...touched down, and after 2 seconds the nose dropped, and [the airplane] began to slide." He reported that he returned to the airplane five minutes after the accident and observed the landing gear control handle in an intermediate position between the center and bottom detent. During an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Operations Inspector, the pilot reported that he heard the landing gear warning horn during the flare, but thought it was the stall warning horn. Following the accident, a FAA certified mechanic performed a functional check of the landing gear system. He reported that the landing gear system functioned normally. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N8496N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8496N), registered now, S/N TC-1115 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Beech B55B - Registry model: [Beech 95-B55 (T42A)](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-95-b55-t42a) (registry code 1152706) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental I0-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-i0-470-series) (registry code 17027, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: TC1115 - Airframe hours: 2916 - Engines: Continental IO-470-L 260 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Business, Part 91 - Registered owner: Neville W. Reay - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, February 21, 1996, 30 hours before - Departed: ARR, AURORA, IL - Destination: MHK - Flight plan: IFR - Airport: MHK, Manhattan Municipal, runway 21, 7,000 × 150 ft, concrete ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 59; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 415 total, 13 in this make and model, 302 as pilot in command, 18 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 28 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: MHK ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 19960421011949A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960421011949A), Apr 21, 1996: Beech 95B55, Manhattan, KS, Substantial damage. During landing flare heard gear horn, thought was stall horn. Landed nose gear retracted. Indicates late extension. From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.