Cessna 210 N9565X accident near Sullivan, Missouri

Probable cause

The loss of hydraulic fluid and subsequent pressure due to cracks in the right main landing gear (MLG) actuator, which resulted in the collapse of the MLG during landing.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot was conducting a personal cross-country flight. The pilot reported that, after takeoff, he did not receive the cockpit annunciation indicating that the landing gear was retracted. An air traffic controller confirmed that the landing gear was not completely retracted, and the pilot proceeded to troubleshoot the issue without success. The pilot chose to fly to his home airport to land. Before landing, his mechanic communicated with him and stated that it appeared that the nose landing gear (NLG) was down, so the pilot chose to land on the runway. During the landing, the NLG remained extended; however, the main landing gear (MLG) collapsed, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane.

An examination of the landing gear system revealed that the right MLG actuator had cracked and leaked hydraulic fluid. Examination of the actuator revealed fatigue cracking that had initiated at the snap ring groove at the end of the actuator cylinder and then extended the length of the cylinder in ductile overload. No other anomalies with the landing gear system were noted.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN15LA116 for the full record.