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Landing Gear Collapse During Landing Roll on Hard-Surfaced Runway (N732HJ)

Agua Caliente, CA, US

On December 9, 2002, a Cessna T210L (registration N732HJ) operated by San Diego Air And Marine Branch was involved in an aviation accident near Agua Caliente, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the right main landing gear actuator during the landing roll, which resulted in a collapse of the right main land gear, and loss of directional control. 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 a landing roll on a hard-surfaced runway, the right main landing gear collapsed, causing the airplane to veer off. Postaccident inspection revealed the right main gear was nearly retracted due to an overload fracture of its actuator.

Accident Summary

A flight instructor and a commercial pilot were practicing landings on a hard-surfaced runway. During the accident landing roll, the airplane's right main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane veered off the runway. Prior to touchdown, the flight instructor stated that he verified the landing gear were in the down position, with all three gear down indicators illuminated.

Landing Gear Examination

A postaccident inspection of the landing gear mechanism disclosed that the left main landing gear and the nose gear were fully extended; however, the right main landing gear was almost fully retracted.

Actuator Findings

Examination of the right main landing gear actuator revealed that it had bulged and cracked along the axis of the hydraulic cylinder. The fracture surfaces of the crack were indicative of overload fracture, with no evidence of fatigue cracks.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Dec 2002 Cessna T210L accident near Agua Caliente, CA?

During a landing roll on a hard-surfaced runway, the right main landing gear collapsed, causing the airplane to veer off. Postaccident inspection revealed the right main gear was nearly retracted due to an overload fracture of its actuator.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Dec 2002 Cessna T210L accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Dec 2002 involved a Cessna T210L, registration N732HJ, operated by San Diego Air And Marine Branch, at Agua Caliente, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the right main landing gear actuator during the landing roll, which resulted in a collapse of the right main land gear, and loss of directional control.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021213X05607. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.