Pilot Debrief

CESSNA P210N near Palm Springs, CA — 2022-06-04

Final reportWPR22LA228
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Date
2022-06-04
Location
Palm Springs, CA, USA
Airport
PSP
Aircraft
CESSNA P210N
Registration
N4752K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The failure of the pilot to ensure the landing gear was down and locked before landing.

NTSB narrative

During the approach, the pilot stated that he extended the landing gear and he received a down-and-locked green light indication. He also stated that he visually verified that the landing gear was extended. The touchdown was normal, but firm, and shortly thereafter, the main landing gear collapsed. The airplane veered off the runway about midfield and came to rest in the area between the taxiway and runway. A postaccident examination of the airplane’s landing gear system revealed no anomalies that would have prevented normal operation of the landing gear. With the airplane on jacks, several cycles of the landing gear were accomplished and the landing gear warning horn audio and indicator lights operated properly. Additionally, the landing gear circuit breakers remained closed during the examination and the hydraulic system fluid level was full. According to witnesses, who were working on the airport ramp, the nose gear appeared to be down and locked but the main landing gear was only partially extended for the approach and landing. It is likely that the pilot did not position the landing gear to the down position in a timely manner and it was not yet in the fully extended position when the airplane touched down. The results from the airplane examination, witnesses’ observations, and the outer edge markings on the main tires, were all consistent with the main landing gear not being fully extended and locked during landing.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have verified landing gear position visually before landing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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