Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 441 near Albuquerque, NM — 2009-07-03

Final reportCEN09LA415
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Date
2009-07-03
Location
Albuquerque, NM, USA
Airport
KABQ
Aircraft
CESSNA 441
Registration
N988AE
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

A malfunction of the landing gear selector switch and a loose fitting on the emergency extension system which rendered the landing gear system inoperable.

NTSB narrative

While on final approach to the intended destination airport, the landing gear was selected and the landing gear circuit breaker popped. After initial troubleshooting of the system, the pilot initiated the "Landing Gear Will Not Extend Normally" checklist. The pilot activated the nitrogen blowdown bottle, but the landing gear did not extend. The pilot elected to land gear up utilizing a longer runway at an alternate airport. During the flare, the pilot shut off both engines, and the airplane settled on to the runway. An examination of the landing gear system found that a fitting had separated on the blowdown bottle system resulting in a failure of the emergency extension system. In addition, the airplane's operator discovered a faulty landing gear selector switch.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have opted for an alternate airport earlier to avoid gear issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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