On July 29, 1994, a Cessna 210-M (registration N761VX) was involved in an aviation accident near Orlando, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A NOSE GEAR ACTUATOR HYDRAULIC LINE BY AN UNKNOWN PERSON THAT BENT IT AT INSTALLATION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot diverted to a company base after the main landing gear failed to extend. Emergency procedures were ineffective due to a bent hydraulic line that had leaked all fluid. The aircraft landed with the nose gear down and main gear retracted.
Incident Overview
During approach to the destination airport, the pilot attempted to lower the landing gear. Only the nose gear extended. The pilot diverted to the company base airport and performed all emergency gear lowering procedures, but these were unsuccessful. The aircraft was subsequently landed with the nose gear down and the main landing gear retracted.
Examination Findings
Post-landing inspection of the landing gear system revealed that the nose gear door actuator hydraulic line was bent and had failed. This failure allowed all hydraulic fluid to vent overboard. The investigation determined that without hydraulic fluid, the emergency landing gear procedures cannot function.
Unresolved Aspect
It could not be determined who installed the failed hydraulic line.