Incident
A commercial pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, he was unable to retract or extend the main landing gear; however, the nose landing gear continued to function normally. He returned to the airport and landed on a grassy area adjacent to an asphalt runway with the main landing gear partially extended. The single-engine airplane slid across the grass before coming to rest upright and tilted to the left.
Post-Landing Actions
After the airplane was towed to the hangar, the pilot locked the gear in the down position. The pilot indicated that the horizontal stabilizer sustained minor damage, and he elected to depart the airport and flew to another airport without incident.
Examination of Damage
Examination of several photos taken by witnesses revealed that the left horizontal stabilizer had sustained structural damage, and the outboard section was bent upwards.
Investigation Outcome
The reason for the landing gear failure to extend could not be determined.