Event
After retracting the landing gear, the hydraulic motor activated light remained illuminated. The pilot, believing this indicated a landing gear malfunction, reduced speed and extended the gear. Although the gear down indicator illuminated, the hydraulic motor activated light stayed on.
While continuing to troubleshoot what he perceived as a landing gear issue, the engine overheated and lost power. The pilot attempted a forced landing on a road. During the approach, the hydraulically operated flaps would not extend. The landing gear, however, extended normally.
Landing and Damage
During the landing rollout, the aircraft struck brush and groundlooped. The landing gear collapsed, and the tail wheel separated from the aircraft.
Investigation Findings
The cause of the hydraulic motor activated light illumination was not determined. Investigation noted that the pilot did not pull the hydraulic motor circuit breaker during the troubleshooting process.