No fatalities

25 Aug 2011: CESSNA T210M — Cahokia, IL

Cahokia, IL, United States

On 25 Aug 2011, a CESSNA T210M was involved in an aviation accident near Cahokia, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the up lock sequencing actuator's deformed spring, which allowed hydraulic pressure to be directed to both sides of the main landing gear actuators, preventing full extension. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot performed a wheel-up landing after normal and emergency gear extension procedures failed. Postaccident examination found a deformed spring in the up lock sequencing actuator, which led to abnormal gear retraction and potential hydraulic pressure issues.

Accident Description

The pilot conducted a wheel-up landing after both normal and emergency landing gear extension procedures were unsuccessful in lowering the airplane's landing gear. The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, lower fuselage skins, and fuselage bulkheads during the event.

Postaccident Examination

Following the incident, retraction tests showed that the landing gear extended and retracted abnormally. Inspection of the landing gear system revealed a deformed spring on the up lock sequencing actuator. After the spring was replaced, subsequent retraction tests operated normally. No other preexisting anomalies were found in the system.

Hydraulic System Review

A review of the aircraft's hydraulic system indicated that a failure of the up lock sequencing actuator had the potential to direct hydraulic pressure to both sides of the main landing gear actuators. This condition could prevent the landing gear from fully extending, consistent with the behavior observed during the incident.

Probable cause

Failure of the up lock sequencing actuator's deformed spring, which allowed hydraulic pressure to be directed to both sides of the main landing gear actuators, preventing full extension.

Contributing factors

Malfunction