Accident Details
On July 1, 2009, at 0830 mountain daylight time, a Cessna T210L airplane, registration N2118S, was substantially damaged during landing at Dona Ana County Airport (5T6), Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The private pilot was not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan, originating at Cielo Dorado Estates Airport (TA50), El Paso, Texas, and terminating at the time of the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported lowering the landing gear handle on downwind and hearing the gear cycle down. He could not recall seeing green gear-down indicator lights. During the landing flare, he heard someone call "gear, gear" on the radio but was unable to go around. The left main gear collapsed on touchdown, and the airplane exited the side of the runway. The pilot did not recall hearing the gear warning horn prior to landing.
Examination Findings
Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer and elevator. The right main and nose landing gear were found in a down and locked position, while the left main gear was in the gear well. During initial inspection by FAA investigators, the left landing gear did not extend fully and lock into position during manual extension, but it operated correctly and locked down when hydraulic power was applied. The hydraulic system was properly serviced, and all three gear indicator lights operated properly when the gear was extended and locked. The airplane was taken to a repair station, where no abnormalities were found. The witness who made the radio call could not be located.
Post-Accident Issues
In the months following the accident, after repairs to the airplane, the pilot experienced four additional landing gear malfunctions and failures to extend, requiring manual extension each time. After the fourth occurrence, the nose gear up-lock actuator and the landing gear accumulator were removed and resealed. The seal in the landing gear accumulator was found to leak. The accumulator requires gaseous nitrogen or dry air. The seals from the accumulator were not retained by maintenance personnel and were unavailable for examination. The reason for the seal failure was not determined.