Landing Gear Collapse During Landing Roll After Delayed Extension (N2251R)

Event Summary

The pilot reported that the landing gear collapsed during the landing roll. The landing gear down light was illuminated while on final approach. The aircraft was subsequently examined to determine the cause of the collapse.

Examination Findings

Inspection of the aircraft revealed that the landing gear doors were damaged by side loads. Both main landing gears were found to be in the extended position but not locked. The nose gear strut was observed to be in the down and locked position. The underside of the fuselage was not damaged, a condition consistent with the main landing gears being partially extended, with hydraulic pressure tending to hold the wheels in the down position. The nose gear extends and locks before the main landing gear.

Pilot Actions

The pilot delayed the extension of the landing gear until near the flare position, which is the point just before touchdown where the aircraft is flared to reduce descent rate.