Event DFW05CA122

Factual narrative

On May 17, 2005, at 1506 central standard time, a Beech BE 55 twin-engine airplane, N6037W, sustained substantial damage, during a gear-up landing while landing at the Midland International Airport (MAF), near Midland, Texas. The private pilot/owner, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector interviewed maintenance personnel, who responded to the accident and assisted in recovering the airplane from the runway. The maintenance personnel reported that the landing gear handle was found in the "up" position and when battery power was applied to lower the landing gear, the landing gear warning horn actuated. Examination of the lower fuselage revealed structural damage to the wing spar. When asked how this accident could have been prevented the pilot said, "I put my hand on [the] gear down [handle] and it stays there till I see 3 lites." The airplane manufacturer requires that the pilot extend the landing gear as per the Normal Procedures-Before Landing checklist. At 1453, weather at the airport was reported as wind from 180 degrees at 7 knots gusting to 16 knots, 10 miles visibility, and clear skies. The 3,729-hour private pilot failed to follow the airplane's Normal Procedures-Before Landing checklist, which resulted in a gear-up landing. Additionally, maintenance personnel, who responded to the accident and assisted in recovering the airplane, reported that the landing gear handle was found in the "up" position and when battery power was applied to lower the landing gear, the landing gear warning horn actuated. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12