Accident to the Beech 35 registered F-BNOR on 10/09/2022 at Biscarrosse

This is a courtesy translation by the BEA of the Final Report on the Safety Investigation published in January 2023. As accurate as the translation may be, the original text in French is the work of reference.

Note: the following information is principally based on statements made by the pilot. This information has not been independently validated by the BEA.

1. History of the flight

The pilot took off from paved runway 09 at Biscarrosse-Parentis aerodrome. He stated that he perceived, just before the rotation, a vertical movement which he believed came from the nose gear. He thought that there was a problem with the shock absorber. The speed being high, he continued the take-off.

During the initial climb, he decided not to retract the landing gear and to return to land. On the downwind leg, he prepared the aeroplane for landing and, as he usually did, extended the flaps and made an input on the landing gear control. He then actually retracted the landing gear without being aware of it. He added that he did not perform the before landing check-list.

The pilot stated that, concerned by the movement he had perceived during the take-off run, he chose to land on unpaved runway 09 with the maximum flap extension. The aeroplane landed with the landing gear retracted, and slid for approximately 50 m before coming to a stop and the propeller stopped.

The examination of the nose gear shock absorber carried out after the accident showed no anomaly.

2. Additional information

2.1. Pilot information

The 72-year-old pilot held a PPL licence. He had logged 1,550 flight hours of which 425 hours on the Beech 35 and 40 minutes in the 30 days before the accident.

2.2. Meteorological conditions

The meteorological conditions were as follows: easterly wind of 10 kt, CAVOK, temperature 23°C.

3. Safety lesson

The pilot indicated that he did not perceive the landing gear up aural warning during the final. He added that the use of the check-list is crucial when the situation is deteriorated by a concern.

January 2023