Cessna 210 N2362F accident near Chattanooga, Tennessee

Probable cause

The improper maintenance of the airplane’s landing gear system, which resulted in a hydraulic fluid leak and insufficient pressure to extend and lock the landing gear during the accident flight.

NTSB analysis

After takeoff on a cross-country flight, the pilot retracted the landing gear and noted that it would not remain in the up position. He placed the landing gear handle in the neutral position and continued the flight. Upon arrival at his destination, the pilot attempted to extend the landing gear, but the gear did not extend completely and lock even after he performed the landing gear malfunction procedures in the pilot operating handbook. Airport personnel observed that the nose gear was down, and the two main landing gear were partially extended; the airplane landed with the landing gear in that configuration. The airplane decelerated, veered to the right, impacted a taxiway sign, and slid to a stop in the grass, resulting in substantial damage to the right and left horizontal stabilizers.

Postaccident examination of the hydraulic system revealed a low level of hydraulic fluid in its reservoir and evidence of hydraulic fluid seepage near both landing gear actuators and the emergency landing gear-extension handle. The landing gear was extended and retracted by hydraulic pressure; therefore, the low hydraulic fluid level likely prevented the system from developing adequate pressure for the electric pump and the manual gear handle to extend and lock the landing.

The airframe manufacturer's service manual indicated that inspection and replenishment of the hydraulic reservoir should be performed every 25 hours and that all rubber parts in the landing gear system should be replaced every 5 years. A review of available maintenance records did not reveal that these recommended inspections and overhauls were performed.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA19LA239 for the full record.