On February 17, 1995, a Cessna T210M (registration N6094B) was involved in an aviation accident near Montrose, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE BENT LANDING GEAR EMERGENCY EXTENSION ASSEMBLY AND THE ACCUMULATION OF AIRFRAME ICE WHICH INTERFERED WITH LANDING GEAR ACTIVATION. A FACTOR WAS THE ALTERNATOR FAILURE FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During cruise, total electrical power loss occurred. Pilot burned fuel, attempted alternate gear extension, but main gear only trailed. Precautionary landing resulted in runway excursion. Post-landing inspection revealed airframe ice and bent extension rod.
Incident
A total loss of electrical power occurred while the aircraft was in cruise flight. The pilot maneuvered the aircraft to circle an airport in order to burn off fuel and then attempted to lower the landing gear using the alternate method. The nose landing gear extended, but the main landing gear would not extend beyond the trail position.
Landing and Runway Excursion
The pilot conducted a precautionary landing. During the landing roll, the aircraft departed the side of the runway.
Post-Landing Inspection
A mechanic who examined the aircraft immediately following the landing found a considerable amount of airframe ice. The same mechanic later examined the electrical system and could find no discrepancies. A bent extension rod was found on the landing gear extend mechanism.