Incident Overview
On October 18, 2016, at approximately 1015 central daylight time, a Cessna T210L airplane, registration N210LC, operated by Ventana Development Brazos LLC of Bay City, Texas, experienced a landing gear collapse during landing at Austin Executive Airport (EDC) in Pflugerville, Texas. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured. The cross-country flight was conducted under Part 91 of the Federal Code of Regulations in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Bay City Airport (BYY) at about 0915.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, during approach to EDC, he lowered the landing gear but did not receive a down-and-locked indication in the cockpit. He then used the emergency gear extension handle to lower the gear, but felt no resistance on the handle. After checking the wing-mounted landing gear mirrors, the pilot observed that the gear appeared to be extended. He circled and landed. Upon touchdown, the right main landing gear collapsed, causing the airplane to veer off the runway to the right. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator.
Post-Accident Examination
Airport personnel requested that the FAA and NTSB move the airplane from the runway for safety. A mechanic manually pulled the right main landing gear into the locked position after the airplane was raised. The airplane was then moved to a ramp for inspection. When FAA officials arrived, the aircraft was on the ramp with all three wheels down and locked. During a test on the ramp, pumping the emergency gear handle produced no resistance and revealed a hydraulic fluid leak near the pump.
Maintenance Records
Review of available maintenance records did not indicate any previous anomalies with the landing gear. The most recent annual inspection had been completed on December 5, 2015.