Accident Overview
On June 4, 2022, at approximately 1148 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna P210N, registration N4752K, was substantially damaged during a landing accident near Palm Springs, California. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that during the approach, he extended the landing gear and observed a down-and-locked green light indication. He also stated that he visually verified the gear was extended. The touchdown was normal but firm. Shortly after touchdown, the main landing gear collapsed, causing the airplane to veer off the runway about midfield. The aircraft came to rest in the area between the taxiway and the runway.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the landing gear system revealed no anomalies. The airplane was placed on jacks for a gear swing, and the landing gear was cycled multiple times between retracted and extended positions. During each cycle, the gear operated appropriately. When the gear locked into place during extension, the warning horn audio stopped and the green down-and-locked light illuminated. During retraction, the amber up-and-locked light illuminated correctly. The landing gear and landing gear pump circuit breakers remained closed throughout the examination. The hydraulic fluid reservoir was full, and the fluid appeared new.
Additionally, during gear extension on the jacks, the nose gear locked first, followed by the main landing gear extending, pivoting, and then locking. The process took several seconds. It was noted that the main landing gear tires would pivot outward during extension before moving into the locked position. Until the main gear was fully extended and locked, any contact with the ground would occur on the outer edge of the tire. Examination of both main tires revealed contact markings on their outer edges.
Witness Observations
Witnesses working on the airport ramp reported that during the approach and landing, the nose gear appeared down and locked, but the main landing gear was only partially extended. This observation was consistent with the main gear being in transit for extension and not yet down and locked.
Aircraft Flight Manual Information
The airplane's flight manual specifies that normal landing gear extension time is approximately 6 seconds. It describes two position indicator lights adjacent to the landing gear lever: a green light indicates the gear is down and locked, and an amber light indicates the gear is up and locked. The manual also notes that a landing gear warning system provides an intermittent tone if the throttle is retarded below about 15 inches of manifold pressure (with master switch on) and the gear is not down and locked.
Probable Cause
No probable cause was stated in the source.