The pilot told investigators that an annual inspection had recently been completed on the Cessna P210N and the purpose of the flight was to practice maneuvers and perform system checks in the local practice area at the airport in Auburn, Washington.
Once he arrived in the practice area, he lowered the landing gear, but the landing gear position indicator lights did not illuminate. He could hear the hydraulic pump operating continuously and he attempted to cycle the landing gear a second time.
He told investigators he could see all three tires using the wing-mounted mirrors and the landing gear appeared to be lowered, however the gear down-and-locked light did not illuminate. Following several unsuccessful attempts to cycle the landing gear, he used the emergency landing gear extension procedure. While operating the emergency hand pump, he felt marginal resistance and noted that the landing gear did not extend.
After completing additional troubleshooting for extending the landing gear, he conducted a low approach over Auburn Municipal Airport (S50). The pilot’s mechanic, located on the airport, observed the low approach and reported the landing gear looked like it was down. During the landing roll on Runway 34, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane veered to the right side of the runway and hit a runway sign and a light.
Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator were substantially damaged.
The airplane was stabilized using floor jacks and a tail stand. The seats, interior, and fuselage inspection panels were removed. The emergency hand pump was extended and pumped. Red liquid consistent with hydraulic fluid was observed coming from the left main landing gear actuator. The left main landing gear actuator was removed and a crack about 3-½ inches long was observed on the actuator housing.
The left landing gear actuator was sent to the NTSB Materials Laboratory in Washington, D.C., for examination. The examination of the fracture surface revealed characteristics consistent with an overstress fracture. A review of the airplane’s maintenance records could not determine the age of the landing gear actuator or if recent maintenance had been performed on it.
Probable Cause: An overstress fracture of the left main landing gear actuator, which resulted in the failure of the right main landing gear to fully extend and lock into place.
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This April 2024 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.
Result of an extra-hard landing in the past?
/J
There’s a bunch of SB on those landing gear actuators. They are very pricey if you can even buy one.