Accident Details
The pilot reported that during the initial climb after takeoff, while retracting the landing gear, he heard a snap or pop. He flew a pattern and entered the downwind leg for landing. When attempting to extend the landing gear, the gear would not deploy. The pilot tried to hand-crank the gear down but found the crank was jammed. Subsequently, he landed with the gear retracted.
Investigation Findings
After the accident, the pilot discovered that a small cable located in the wheelwell—running from the nose-gear strut to a pulley high in the wheelwell—had become entangled in the gear mechanism. This entanglement jammed the gear and prevented the limit switches from making contact. An FAA inspector who examined the aircraft noted that the cable was badly corroded in the area of the break. The inspector also noted that the airplane had not been inspected by a mechanic for seven years.
Probable Cause
No probable cause was stated in the investigation source.