On October 1, 1997, a Cessna T210N (registration N5168A) was involved in an aviation accident near Fargo, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the circuit breaker for the hydraulic pump popped during gear extension which resulting in the failure of the landing gear to lock in the extended position. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot continued a landing after a gear warning horn sounded during flare. Postaccident testing revealed a hydraulic pump circuit breaker issue left the gear unlocked.
Accident Sequence
The pilot extended the landing gear approximately 3 to 4 miles prior to landing. During the landing flare, the landing gear warning horn activated. The pilot reported that it was too late to abort the landing and initiate a go-around, so he continued the landing. The landing gear subsequently collapsed upon touchdown.
Postaccident Findings
Postaccident testing of the landing gear system revealed that the hydraulic pump circuit breaker would pop when the landing gear was extended. This condition resulted in the landing gear being in a trailing, unlocked position, which prevented proper gear lock and led to the collapse.