Event Description
While entering the traffic pattern, the pilot attempted to lower the landing gear but found it would not extend. He reset the landing gear motor circuit breaker, which had popped, and then attempted a manual gear extension. The pilot performed a tower fly-by, and the tower advised that the nose landing gear appeared down, but the main landing gear remained retracted.
The pilot proceeded to make an approach to the runway. Prior to touch-down, he shut down the engine and landed with the aircraft in a nose-high attitude. The nose landing gear remained extended as the airplane slid to a stop.
Post-Flight Examination
A post-flight examination of the airplane revealed that a hydraulic fluid line had separated from its landing gear motor fitting. The line showed no evidence of mechanical damage. The separated end of the line was slightly larger in diameter than the fitting. The hydraulic line had been installed when the airplane was manufactured, and the airplane had accumulated 2,100 hours of operation.
No other anomalies were reported. The aircraft was equipped with a retractable landing gear system.