Pilot Debrief

Cessna R182 near King City, CA — 2019-07-21

Final reportWPR19LA201
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Date
2019-07-21
Location
King City, CA, USA
Airport
KKIC
Aircraft
Cessna R182
Registration
N3268C
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

A landing gear collapse following an undetermined loss of electrical power, which prevented the landing gear from fully extending.

NTSB narrative

During a cross-country flight in night visual meteorological conditions, the airplane began to lose electrical power, and the pilot diverted to the nearest airport. During the landing approach, the pilot extended the landing gear and flaps, and, although the gear position indicator lights did not illuminate, he felt that the airplane was in its normal landing configuration and continued the approach. The right horizontal stabilizer and elevator contacted the runway upon landing, resulting in substantial damage. Examination revealed that the nose landing gear was extended and locked, but the main landing gear did not extend and lock. A functional test of the landing gear and the emergency gear extension system revealed no anomalies. It is likely that electrical power remaining was inadequate to fully extend and lock the landing gear. The alternator was bench-tested and revealed no anomalies. Based on the available information, the reason for the loss of electrical power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot chose not to use emergency hand pump to confirm landing gear status.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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