GAA18CA342

Factual narrative

The pilot of the retractable landing gear airplane reported that, during the landing roll, he reached for the flap switch to retract the flaps, and although the flap and landing gear switches are on left and right side of the control column, respectively, he inadvertently retracted the landing gear. The pilot added that he had previously been flying other airplanes and had become used to having the flap switch on the right side of the control column. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot of the retractable-landing-gear airplane reported that, during the landing roll, he reached for the flap switch to retract the flaps, and although the flap and landing gear switches are on the left and right side of the control column, respectively, he inadvertently retracted the landing gear. The pilot added that he had previously flown other airplanes that had the flap switch on the right side of the control column. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action performance-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Landing gear system-Gear extension and retract sys-Unintentional use/operation - C