Flight History
The pilot conducted a preflight inspection of the airplane and noted no anomalies with the nosewheel assembly. He completed one flight without incident and then departed on a second flight. The second flight progressed normally until the airplane neared the pilot's planned destination.
Landing Gear Malfunction
As the airplane approached its destination, the pilot heard the landing gear motor activate. The motor continued to run. The pilot then performed the emergency gear extension procedure. After completing the procedure, he determined that the landing gear was not locked down.
Emergency Landing
With the landing gear not locked down, the pilot executed an emergency landing. During touchdown, the airplane slid down and off the runway. This resulted in substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the accident, an examination of the nose wheel actuator was conducted. The inspection revealed that the piston o-ring had failed.