Pilot Debrief

CESSNA P210 near Bartow, FL — 2021-02-20

Final reportERA21LA146
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Date
2021-02-20
Location
Bartow, FL, USA
Airport
BOW
Aircraft
CESSNA P210
Registration
N210GE
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A leaking left main landing gear down lock actuator, which resulted in a loss of hydraulic fluid and a subsequent landing gear collapse during landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, after takeoff, he was receiving abnormal oil temperature, pressure, and voltage indications, and he decided to return to the departure airport. During landing, the main landing gear collapsed, resulting in substantial damage. Examination of the airplane revealed that the left main landing gear down-and-lock actuator was leaking hydraulic fluid, and the hydraulic fluid reservoir was empty. The reservoir was filled, and the landing gear retracted and extended normally during a subsequent test. Given this information, it is likely that there was inadequate hydraulic fluid available to fully extend and lock the main landing gear, which resulted in the subsequent main landing gear collapse.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked the gear indicator light before landing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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