The pilot stated that, after takeoff from the airport in Bullhead City, Arizona, he heard a loud bang after he moved the landing gear handle to the “up” position on the Cessna 210B. The landing gear indication lights did not illuminate.
He cycled the landing gear handle, which had no effect. In addition, the flaps would not operate.
During a low pass, the tower controller informed the pilot that the landing gear were in a transit position (not retracted, not locked down). The pilot attempted to execute the emergency gear extension procedure; however, the gear would not extend.
During the landing, the gear completely collapsed, and the airplane slid to a stop on its belly and then tipped on its left side, which resulted in damage to the left horizontal stabilizer.
The pilot reported that an airframe and powerplant mechanic visually examined the landing gear actuator and stated that the actuator housing had split, which resulted in the loss of hydraulic system pressure.
However, no further examinations were conducted, and the reason for the housing failure could not be determined.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as the failure of the landing gear actuator housing during landing for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
NTSB Identification: WPR15LA038
This November 2014 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
I wonder if the mechanic who looked at the cracked housing was te same mechanic who last repaired/installed the part?
The part should have been saved and inspected for preexisting flaws or damage caused by operation or improper installation.
Articles like this aren’t helping improve anyone’s desire to fly. It is only the corporate fleets and commercial aviation that loves these types of stories. Why? Because the repeated articles of poor maintenance issues only serve to spread fear, and raise serious doubts about safety in small planes.
If unable to find something positive to say perhaps you should consider and advise anyone interested in flying to go sit under a cool tree and purse fishing as an alternative.