Overview
A certified flight instructor (CFI) and a pilot under instruction were conducting practice instrument approaches in a single-engine aircraft. During the approach, the landing gear handle was lowered, but the indicator light for the right main landing gear did not illuminate. The CFI performed a visual check and confirmed that the right main landing gear was not in the down and locked position.
Attempts to Rectify
The flight crew cycled the landing gear using the normal procedure, then attempted to manually pump the gear down using the emergency gear handle. Both methods failed to bring the right main landing gear into a down and locked configuration.
Landing and Runway Excursion
The crew decided to land with the left main landing gear down and locked, while the right main landing gear remained partially extended. Upon touchdown, the right horizontal stabilizer struck the runway surface, causing the aircraft to veer to the right and depart the runway. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer.
Post-Flight Inspection
A subsequent inspection by an airframe and powerplants mechanic revealed that the landing gear actuator splined drive shaft had failed. The mechanic also noted that Cessna Service Bulletin SEB11-02, issued in April 2011, recommended a one-time inspection of the main landing gear steel pivot assembly. However, the aircraft maintenance records did not show that this inspection had been performed.