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Substantial Damage to Aircraft After Landing Gear Failure at Blacksburg (N6502C)

Blacksburg, VA, US

On March 10, 1986, a Cessna 210N (registration N6502C) was involved in an aviation accident near Blacksburg, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to land before the landing gear was fully extended and locked, which resulted in the aircraft colliding with a runway light and sustaining substantial damage. 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 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft experienced landing gear failure while landing at Blacksburg Airport in Virginia, resulting in collision with a runway light and substantial damage to the left stabilizer and elevator.

What happened

The aircraft was operating at Blacksburg Airport in Blacksburg, Virginia, when the landing gear failed to extend during the approach for landing. The pilot attempted to complete the landing before the gear was fully extended and locked into position.

Upon touchdown, the aircraft collided with a runway light. Following the impact, the aircraft veered off the paved runway surface and came to rest on an adjacent grass area. The collision resulted in substantial damage to the left stabilizer and elevator of the aircraft.

The investigation

Reece H. Mitchell of the Richmond Flight Standards District Office (FSDO 21) interviewed the pilot regarding the incident. The pilot confirmed that he had landed the aircraft before the landing gear was fully extended and locked.

Findings

  • Landing gear failed to extend during final approach
  • Aircraft collided with a runway light upon touchdown
  • Aircraft departed the runway onto a grass area
  • Substantial damage sustained to the left stabilizer and elevator
  • Pilot acknowledged landing before gear was fully extended and locked

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to land before the landing gear was fully extended and locked, which resulted in the aircraft colliding with a runway light and sustaining substantial damage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Mar 1986 Cessna 210N accident near Blacksburg, VA?

Aircraft experienced landing gear failure while landing at Blacksburg Airport in Virginia, resulting in collision with a runway light and substantial damage to the left stabilizer and elevator.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Mar 1986 involved a Cessna 210N, registration N6502C, at Blacksburg, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to land before the landing gear was fully extended and locked, which resulted in the aircraft colliding with a runway light and sustaining substantial damage.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32995. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.