The pilot’s failure to follow the proper manual landing-gear extension procedure caused the gear-up landing, which resulted in substantial damage to the King Air, according to the NTSB. The ATP-rated pilot told investigators that he attempted
to lower the landing gear while on final approach to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport and received no response. The pilot said he made several unsuccessful attempts to cycle the gear, and also tried to deploy it manually. After executing a gear-up landing, the pilot and the six passengers were able to evacuate the twin turboprop safely.
During the post-accident investigation the emergency gear engagement handle was found in the down (disengaged) position. When the handle was pulled up, rotated and locked in the engaged position, pumping the extension lever produced movement in the landing gear torque shafts. Further examination showed the landing gear motor circuit breaker under the cabin floor had popped. Once the circuit breaker was reset and electrical power was restored to the King Air, the gear was able to function both normally and with the manual systems.