CESSNA 210L near Seattle, WA — 2011-08-13

Probable cause

A loss of electrical power while on final approach due to a depleted battery, which resulted in an intentional gear-up emergency landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during final approach for landing, she lowered the flaps to 10 degrees and placed the landing gear lever to the “down” position. While the gear was coming down, the airplane lost all electrical power. The pilot stated that she thought the safest course of action would be to land in the grass between the runways because she did not think she had sufficient time to manually pump the landing gear down. She reported that, with the 10-degree flap setting, the airplane was a little faster than normal during the approach but that the gear-up landing was smooth. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the battery was depleted. Maintenance personnel jacked up the airplane and successfully performed a landing gear retraction and extension with an auxiliary power unit connected. They then installed a shop battery and successfully completed normal retraction and emergency extensions.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Mechanical failure

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have checked electrical systems before approach to prevent power loss.

NTSB coding

• Electrical system malf/failure · Approach-IFR final approach

Evidence available

• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Record of Conversation Mechanicother

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