Richard R. Hough (RRH Inc.)

The 74 year old pilot and his wife were on a trip to attend a funeral. A witness, who heard the airplane overhead, reported that it sounded low and at least one engine was operating. He reported that when he looked up, the airplane was in a dive, spinning slowly; however, the airplane did not make a complete revolution. Radar data showed the airplane in a left descending turn at approximately 2000 feet per minute. The airplane impacted the ground about 3 miles west of the airport in a near vertical descent, and much of the forward section had penetrated the ground. There was a post-crash fire. Examination of the airplane and various actuators confirmed that the landing gear was retracted, flaps were extended 5°, elevator and aileron trim were neutral, and the rudder was positioned 3° left. Examination of the engine confirmed internal/rotational damage. Both occupants were killed.

The cross country business flight was uneventful from Concord, New Hampshire to white Plains, New York under clear sky. During final approach, the pilot extended the gear but did not notice that the circuit breaker had opened and the gear was not lowered. The aircraft landed gear up and the gear doors partially open. The gear warning horn did not operate. The pilot stated that he failed to check for 3 green lights.