On November 4, 1983, a Cessna 210 (registration N8866A) operated by James P. Obi was involved in an aviation accident near Charelston, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The right landing gear door actuator snap ring was dislodged from its groove, allowing hydraulic fluid to escape. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a second touch-and-go landing, the pilot lowered the landing gear but received a safe indication only for the nose gear. After two hours of additional flights and five attempts, the pilot landed with the gear unsafe. Post-accident examination found a dislodged snap ring in the right landing gear door actuator.
Incident Details
While on the downwind leg for a second touch-and-go landing, the pilot lowered the landing gear but received a safe indication only for the nose gear. The pilot then conducted additional flights over two hours, making five further attempts to lower the landing gear, but was ultimately forced to land with the unsafe condition.
Examination Findings
A post-accident examination revealed that the right landing gear door actuator snap ring was dislodged from its groove. This allowed hydraulic fluid to escape from the actuator, preventing the landing gear from locking into the down position.
Probable cause
The right landing gear door actuator snap ring was dislodged from its groove, allowing hydraulic fluid to escape.
What happened in the 4 Nov 1983 Cessna 210 accident near Charelston, SC?
During a second touch-and-go landing, the pilot lowered the landing gear but received a safe indication only for the nose gear. After two hours of additional flights and five attempts, the pilot landed with the gear unsafe. Post-accident examination found a dislodged snap ring in the right landing gear door actuator.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Nov 1983 involved a Cessna 210, registration N8866A, operated by James P. Obi, at Charelston, SC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The right landing gear door actuator snap ring was dislodged from its groove, allowing hydraulic fluid to escape.
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