Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 310G near Broomfield, CO — 2017-09-01

Final reportCEN17LA340
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Date
2017-09-01
Location
Broomfield, CO, USA
Airport
BJC
Aircraft
CESSNA 310G
Registration
N8957Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

A collapse of the right main landing gear due to a bent pushrod, which precluded the gear from fully extending. The reason for the bent pushrod could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot reported that, upon touchdown in the retractable gear, multi-engine airplane, he experienced a "mushy feeling" and aborted the landing even though the gear down indicator light was illuminated. He made another landing attempt with the same results, but after the second attempt, he noted that neither the red gear-up light nor the green gear-down light were illuminated. Ultimately, the pilot diverted to a nearby tower-controlled airport. The tower personnel confirmed that the right main landing gear was not fully extended. Attempts to lower the landing gear using emergency procedures were unsuccessful, and the pilot landed the airplane, during which the right landing gear collapsed. Subsequent examination revealed that a pushrod from the gear motor was bent, which likely resulted in the inability of the right landing gear to fully extend. The reason for the bent pushrod could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the approach earlier after first gear indication issue.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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