Cessna P210N N323DC accident near Waco, Texas

Probable cause

The failure of the right main landing gear (MLG) down-lock mechanism, which resulted in the collapse of the landing gear. The root cause of the right MLG down-lock mechanism could not be determined because the components were not available for examination.

NTSB analysis

The airline transport pilot reported that the electrical system began to indicate a discharge condition during cruise flight and that he chose to divert to an intermediate airport. He lowered the wing flaps and landing gear, and then the airplane lost total electrical power. Landing gear extension seemed to be normal, which included a green down position indicator light and visual verification of the landing gear in the extended position. The pilot then conducted a visual approach to landing, and after landing, the right main landing gear (MLG) collapsed, which resulted in a runway excursion.

A postaccident examination of the electrical system revealed that the alternator was not functioning properly and that the voltage regulator was inoperative, which precipitated the diverted landing. Examination of the landing gear system revealed that the right MLG down-lock mechanism had failed. None of the components were provided to the National Transportation Safety Board for further examination, which precluded a determination of the root cause of the failure of the right MLG down-lock mechanism.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN16LA356 for the full record.