Accident Overview
On April 10, 2010, at approximately 1705 mountain standard time, a Cessna 210 (registration N9527T) operated by Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc., of Lakeside, Arizona, performed a gear-up landing at Show Low Regional Airport in Show Low, Arizona. The airplane sustained substantial damage as it slid to a stop on the runway. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, a personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91, originated from Show Low at about 1530. Neither the private pilot nor the passenger was injured.
Maintenance and Flight History
The pilot reported that earlier that day, maintenance had been performed on the airplane, which was manufactured in 1960. The maintenance did not involve the left main landing gear. The accident occurred during the airplane's first flight after maintenance on the nose wheel's shimmy dampner. The pilot intended to fly the traffic pattern to functionally check the maintenance.
Landing Gear Malfunction
During taxi and climb, no problems were noted. However, when the pilot attempted to extend the landing gear, the left main gear did not extend. The left gear remained in the wheel well with the gear door open. After troubleshooting and following the emergency gear extension procedure, the pilot elected to land with all landing gear in the retracted position. The airplane slid to a stop on runway 24.
Post-Accident Examination
During recovery of the airplane, a mechanic observed that the left main gear's brake line was caught on the gear leg snubber. After disconnecting the brake line from the caliper, the landing gear extended without difficulty. The interference between the brake line and the snubber had prevented gear extension.
FAA Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) coordinator reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that examination revealed the belly skin was abraded and a forward bulkhead near the front door post area was damaged. Repair to this bulkhead would require a major airframe structural repair. The coordinator also reported that the left main landing gear's brake line was improperly positioned on the airplane. In the location where it was found on the accident flight, the line had inadequate clearance from the snubber and became hooked on it, restricting the gear's movement out of the gear well. The FAA coordinator was unable to ascertain the underlying reason for the brake line not being properly attached to provide adequate clearance.