Casualties unknown

2007-11-16: Cessna 210L (N987M) — Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara, CA, US

On November 16, 2007, a Cessna 210L (registration N987M) was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Barbara, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The left main landing gear's down limit switch plunger being bent and stuck in the closed position, which resulted in the collapse of the landing gear during the landing roll. The reason for the down limit switch plunger being bent could not be determined. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During landing roll, an airplane veered left and its left main landing gear collapsed. Investigation found a bent limit switch and hydraulic hoses binding the downlock actuator, preventing proper locking.

Incident Overview

During the landing roll, the airplane began to veer left. Subsequently, the left main landing gear collapsed. The airplane came to rest upright on the left side of the runway with its left elevator resting on the runway's surface.

Pilot Actions

Prior to landing, the pilot had confirmed that the landing gear was down and locked. The pilot reported no anomalies with the airplane before the flight.

Post-Accident Examination

A post-accident examination revealed that the left main landing gear down limit switch plunger was bent and stuck in the closed position, falsely indicating that the left main landing gear was locked down. The examination further revealed that the two hydraulic hoses to the downlock actuator were making contact with the airplane's skin, binding the downlock from fully opening. This binding prevented the down limit switch from clearing the striker plate during the down cycle.

Corrective Action

The two hydraulic hoses were subsequently repositioned to eliminate the binding. After repositioning, the landing gear operated normally.

Undetermined Aspect

It was not determined how the switch had become bent.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20071121X01828. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.