NORTH AMERICAN B25

Full Narrative

On March 26, 2011, about 1300 central daylight time, a North American B-25J, multi-engine airplane, N747AF, was substantially damaged when the landing gear collapsed during take-off at El Jardin Ranch Airport (XA66), Encinal, Texas. A postimpact fire ensued. The airplane was owned and operated by Lewis Fighter Fleet LLC., San Antonio, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan had not been filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot, co-pilot, flight mechanic, and six passengers were not injured. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

During the takeoff roll, at an airspeed of about 60 knots, the pilot rotated the nose of the airplane to the standard angle for takeoff. The co-pilot stated that he thought that the pilot had called for the landing gear to be retracted at that time so he reached down and selected the landing gear handle to the up position. Shortly thereafter the landing gear began to collapse and the airplane settled onto the runway and slid to a stop.

Both propellers impacted the runway surface, resulting in damage to both engines and propellers. The impact and postimpact fire resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident and the co-pilot said he prematurely raised the gear handle.