Jim Postma, who is the Republican candidate running against Adam Smith for the 9thCongressional District seat was flying back from the San Juan Islands Monday with his wife, Fran. He aborted his first landing attempt at Spanaway Airport,
raised his landing gear and went around the patch for another try. Unfortunately, he forgot to re-deploy the landing gear the second time. According to a radio interview, he failed to notice until he heard the unusually loud sound as he touched down the belly of the aircraft on the runway pavement.
He was flying a Beechcraft Bonanza and attempting to land around 7 p.m. The plane skidded down the runway on its belly, coming to a stop on the grass taxiway, igniting a grass fire and melting plastic parts on the plane. No one was injured. The Postmas were able to climb out of the plane by themselves. According to airport manager Gary Lawson, the plane is likely totaled due to the effects of the fire.
Mr. Postma is a U.S. Air Force Veteran.
Pierce Prairie Post 