Landing Gear Failure After Annual Inspection Leads to Collapse on Dirt Bank (N3732N)

Incident Description

A flight following an annual inspection experienced a landing gear malfunction. The pilot could not retract the gear using the normal electrical system; it remained extended with the green safe light on and the gear pointer indicating down. The pilot attempted to assist the normal system with the manual hand crank, a practice not permitted by the pilot's handbook, but to no avail. Using the hand crank, the pilot moved the gear to the extended position, but the green light did not reilluminate. The pilot elected to land on the dirt overrun area but did not see a graded dirt bank short of the overrun. The gear struck the bank and collapsed during landing.

Inspection and Findings

The landing gear circuit breaker was found in the popped position. The normal and emergency gear systems had been checked during the annual inspection. The mechanic stated that all breakers were in the day before the flight. The pilot was reportedly unaware of a checklist item requiring all breakers to be in before starting the engine. The investigation did not determine when or why the landing gear circuit breaker became popped.