NTSB Factual Report

On January 19, 2017 about 1144 mountain standard time (mst), a Beech 99, N326CA, experienced a landing gear collapse while landing at the Billings Logan International Airport, Billings, Montana. The airplane was registered to and operated by Alpine Aviation Inc., d.b.a. Alpine Air, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 135. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The cargo transport flight departed from Dawson Community Airport, Glendive, Montana about 0945 mst with a planned destination of Sidney-Richland Municipal Airport, Sidney, Montana. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed, but was not activated.

The pilot reported that after departure, he retracted the landing gear and heard a "thud" sound. The landing gear "unsafe" light was illuminated and the left landing gear light remained illuminated green, an indication that it was still extended despite the landing gear handle being in the retracted position. When reaching his initial destination of Sidney, the pilot performed a low pass over the runway to enable maintenance personnel on the ground do a visual assessment. A mechanic stated that the nose gear was extended. The pilot diverted to Billings and the air traffic control personnel confirmed observing the nose gear extended at a 45-degree angle.

The pilot further stated that he aligned with runway 28R and just prior to touch down, he feathered the propellers and decreased the airspeed. During touchdown, the right gear collapsed and the airplane came to rest on the centerline. As a result of the impact, the right aileron and right wing spar sustained damage.