Cessna T210L N2118S accident near Santa Teresa, New Mexico

Probable cause

The failure of the landing gear accumulator seal for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to confirm the status of the landing gear.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he lowered the landing gear handle on downwind to land and heard the gear cycle down. He told investigators that he could not recall if he saw green, gear down indicator lights. While in the landing flare he heard someone call "gear, gear" on the radio, but it was too late for him to go around. The left main gear collapsed on touchdown and the airplane exited the side of the runway, substantially damaging the horizontal stabilizer and elevator. No anomalies were found with the landing gear indicator lights during the post accident inspections. Following four additional gear malfunctions, the landing gear accumulator was found to leak, allowing air into the hydraulic system. The seals from the accumulator were not retained and the reason for the failure of the seals was not determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09LA417 for the full record.