Casualties unknown

Loss of Electrical Power Leads to Landing Gear Collapse During Landing (N32W)

Georgetown, SC, US

On August 30, 2002, a Cessna 210L (registration N32W) operated by Paul E Rumley was involved in an aviation accident near Georgetown, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the landing gear to lock in the down position. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During an instrument flight, the pilot experienced a total loss of electrical power. After an unsuccessful manual landing gear extension attempt, the right main landing gear collapsed during landing roll.

Summary

A pilot operating an airplane on an instrument flight experienced a loss of electrical power. The pilot decided to divert to the nearest airport. During the final approach to land, the pilot attempted to extend the landing gear manually but was unable to do so. The pilot continued the approach and landed on runway 29. During the landing roll, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest on the left side of the runway.

Accident Narrative

According to the pilot, the airplane was on an instrument flight when electrical power was lost. In response, the pilot elected to land at the nearest suitable airport. While on final approach, the pilot tried to manually extend the landing gear, but the attempt was unsuccessful. Despite the gear not being fully extended, the pilot proceeded with the landing on runway 29. Upon touchdown, during the landing roll, the right main landing gear collapsed, causing the airplane to veer to the left side of the runway and come to a stop.

Examination Findings

Post-accident examination of the electrical system revealed that the alternator had failed. No other mechanical malfunctions or anomalies were found on the airplane. The loss of electrical power was attributed to the alternator failure, but the investigation did not identify any additional mechanical issues that could have contributed to the landing gear collapse.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Aug 2002 Cessna 210L accident near Georgetown, SC?

During an instrument flight, the pilot experienced a total loss of electrical power. After an unsuccessful manual landing gear extension attempt, the right main landing gear collapsed during landing roll.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Aug 2002 involved a Cessna 210L, registration N32W, operated by Paul E Rumley, at Georgetown, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the landing gear to lock in the down position.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020909X01551. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.