Casualties unknown

Landing Gear Malfunction Leads to Gear-Up Landing on Foamed Runway (N1666X)

Jacksonville, FL, US

On December 6, 1982, a Cessna 210L (registration N1666X) operated by David M. Higgins was involved in an aviation accident near Jacksonville, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The landing gear power pack solenoid, part no. 1280830-1, became stuck, preventing the landing gear from extending. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot was forced to land gear-up after both normal and emergency gear extension attempts failed. Investigation found a faulty solenoid prevented gear extension.

Incident Overview

A pilot encountered a landing gear malfunction during approach, prompting attempts to extend the landing gear using both normal and emergency procedures. All efforts to lower the gear were unsuccessful. The pilot subsequently executed a gear-up landing on a foamed runway.

Investigation Findings

Post-incident examination revealed that the landing gear power pack solenoid, part number 1280830-1, had become stuck, which prevented the landing gear from extending. This component was identified as the direct cause of the malfunction.

Manufacturer Service Information

Cessna Aircraft had previously issued Service Letter SE-76-24, dated November 22, 1976, recommending replacement of the affected solenoid (part no. 1280830-1) with an improved model (part no. 9881201-1). The recommendation specified that the replacement should be performed at the next 1000-hour overhaul or annual inspection, whichever occurred first.

Maintenance History

The last annual or progressive inspection on the aircraft was performed on November 15, 1982. No information was provided regarding whether the solenoid replacement had been completed prior to the incident.

Probable cause

The landing gear power pack solenoid, part no. 1280830-1, became stuck, preventing the landing gear from extending.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Dec 1982 Cessna 210L accident near Jacksonville, FL?

A pilot was forced to land gear-up after both normal and emergency gear extension attempts failed. Investigation found a faulty solenoid prevented gear extension.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Dec 1982 involved a Cessna 210L, registration N1666X, operated by David M. Higgins, at Jacksonville, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The landing gear power pack solenoid, part no. 1280830-1, became stuck, preventing the landing gear from extending.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X04948. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.