Incident Details
The private pilot moved the landing gear handle to the "gear down" position during landing preparation. The gear did not extend, and the circuit breaker popped. The pilot attempted to reset the circuit breaker but was unsuccessful.
Sequence of Events
The pilot turned the airplane toward an unpopulated desert area and tried to lower the landing gear using the hand pump. No pressure was felt on the pump handle, and the pilot determined that the hydraulic reservoir was low. With the passenger's assistance, the pilot opened the reservoir and added water to regain pressure and extend the landing gear.
A visual check indicated the gear appeared to be down, but the instrument panel did not show a "down and locked" indication. The pilot diverted attention inside the cockpit to troubleshoot the system. During that time, the airplane impacted the ground in a near-level attitude.
Aircraft Damage
The nose gear was torn off, the propeller was damaged, and the left wing sustained substantial damage. The airplane came to rest in an upright position.
Occupant Status
The pilot and the passenger were not injured and were able to egress unassisted. In the Pilot/Operator Report, the pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had remembered to keep flying the airplane.