Incident Summary
A pilot experienced a landing gear malfunction during an approach. The landing gear would not extend, and the gear indicators showed no green indication. Visual inspection from the left window confirmed the main gear was not extended. Attempts to lower the gear caused the circuit breaker to trip, and resetting it did not resolve the issue.
Emergency Procedures and Landing
The pilot initiated emergency procedures, including using a hand pump to extend the landing gear, but this also failed. After approximately 20 minutes of recycling and pumping the gear, it became evident that the gear would not extend. Uncertain whether the right main and nose gear were extended, the pilot executed a landing, slowly bringing the airplane down to avoid a propeller strike. During landing, the partially extended gear caused the airplane to veer off the runway into rough gravel and sand, resulting in damage.
Post-Incident Examination
Following recovery, an FAA licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic examined the aircraft. The mechanic discovered that the hydraulic line on the down-lock side of the nose actuator had separated at the fitting. This separation resulted in a total loss of hydraulic fluid and subsequent collapse of the landing gear.