Accident
On May 5, 2019, at about 0820 Pacific daylight time, a Beech P35, registration N1510S, was substantially damaged during a landing at Minden-Tahoe Airport (MEV), Minden, Nevada. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant and operator of the airplane on a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight, was not injured.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the approach was uneventful. He selected the landing gear lever to the down position. When the airplane touched down, the landing gear collapsed.
Postaccident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane and observed substantial damage to its underside. The landing gear circuit breaker was found in the out position. At a later date, an airframe and powerplant mechanic, under FAA oversight, conducted a further examination. The airplane was placed on jacks and a landing gear swing test was performed.
The electric motor responsible for extending and retracting the landing gear was noted to be extremely weak and degraded. It took excessive time to retract and extend the gear. During gear extension, the gear would only partially extend. No other anomalies in the landing gear system were found. The cockpit landing gear lever, landing gear indications, and warning audio were properly functioning.