Incident Details
The pilot was unable to fully extend the main landing gear for landing due to a lack of hydraulic fluid. The decision was made to land with the nose landing gear extended and the main landing gear retracted. After the landing, the aircraft was examined.
Examination Findings
Inspection of the airplane revealed that the left main landing gear actuator was cracked along the length of the cylindrical section of the body. The cracked area displayed a bulging deformity. The actuator was designed to withstand a pressure of 3,750 psi, while the maximum operating pressure of the landing gear system was 1,800 psi.
Manufacturer Analysis
The actuator cylinder was examined and tested by the manufacturer. The actuator met all of the manufacturer's specifications, and there was no evidence of a pre-existing crack.
Determination
It was determined that the actuator burst due to excess pressure within the cylinder. However, the source of the excess pressure was not determined.