Background
After departure, the crew noticed a malfunction with the landing gear transition light. They attempted to recycle the landing gear, but the transition light remained illuminated. The crew then circled the area for approximately one hour and thirty-five minutes while continuing efforts to lower the gear, but all attempts were unsuccessful.
Incident
Faced with the inability to lower the landing gear, the crew made the decision to divert to Denver International Airport, where expanded emergency ground services would be available. The crew declared an emergency and subsequently performed a gear-up landing at the airport.
Investigation
A post-accident examination of the aircraft by an FAA inspector revealed that the landing gear had sustained a hydraulic failure. The failure was due to a ruptured hydraulic hose located in the right wheel well. Examination of the hydraulic braided steel hose showed that several braids had broken, and the rubber hose had been punctured and/or ruptured under pressure.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident is hydraulic failure due to a ruptured hydraulic hose in the right wheel well.