On November 11, 1985, a Cessna 177RG (registration N2012Q) operated by Shelton R. Hardy was involved in an aviation accident near Kenansville, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The hydraulic pressure line ruptured as a result of rubbing against the stabilator control cable, leading to a loss of hydraulic fluid and inability to fully extend the landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a touch-and-go practice session, a pilot was unable to fully extend the landing gear on the second approach. Hydraulic fluid was depleted due to a ruptured line caused by rubbing against a control cable.
Incident Sequence
The aircraft was involved in an accident while attempting a gear-up landing. The pilot had taken off with the intention of practicing touch-and-go landings. On the second approach, the pilot was unable to fully extend the landing gear.
A passenger checked the hydraulic fluid reservoir and found it empty. The pilot then attempted to manually extend the gear, but the reserve hydraulic fluid was exhausted before the gear reached the down-and-locked position.
Post-Accident Inspection
A post-accident inspection revealed that the hydraulic pressure line was ruptured approximately 18 inches below the hydraulic pump assembly. The rupture was caused by the line rubbing against the stabilator control cable. This loss of hydraulic fluid prevented the landing gear from fully extending, leading to the gear-up landing. During the landing, the aircraft contacted two piles of dirt.
Probable cause
The hydraulic pressure line ruptured as a result of rubbing against the stabilator control cable, leading to a loss of hydraulic fluid and inability to fully extend the landing gear.