Incident Overview
During a local instructional flight, the flight instructor reported that the landing gear did not illuminate as down and locked while on final approach at the destination airport. The instructor attempted to cycle the gear using the electric landing gear handle, but the green down-and-locked light remained off. When the power was reduced to idle, the audible gear unsafe horn activated. The flight instructor executed a go-around.
Manual Gear Extension Attempt
The pilot receiving instruction began the manual gear extension procedure in accordance with the SureCheck checklist. During this procedure, both pilots reported that a spring tension prevented the emergency gear handle from reaching the full forward position. The flight instructor then reset the motor release arm and attempted to extend the gear again with the electric handle. However, the landing gear electric motor circuit breaker popped, and the motor release arm became jammed.
Emergency Landing and Damage
After ground personnel confirmed that the landing gear was only partially extended, the flight instructor conducted an emergency landing. During touchdown, the landing gear collapsed, and the airplane skidded to a stop on the runway. The fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Postaccident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspector examined the airplane and found that the right main landing gear down-lock micro switch was operating intermittently within the electrical actuating system. The inspector noted that an intermittent micro switch on this landing gear can result in gear unsafe warnings and continuous electrical motor operation.
Checklist Considerations
The SureCheck checklist used during the flight did not include instructions from the Pilot's Operating Handbook stating, "Do not re-engage landing gear operating motor in flight." The SureCheck checklist contained a warning that "this product is not a substitute for any operation manual which coincides with each specific aircraft."
Pilot Experience
The flight instructor reported having two hours of flight time in this make and model airplane. The pilot receiving instruction reported having no previous experience in this make and model airplane.