Accident Details
On June 23, 2022, at approximately 1925 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna TR182, registration N738JZ, sustained substantial damage during an accident at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) in Santa Barbara, California. The aircraft was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The private pilot was not injured.
Pilot Actions
While on approach to runway 25 at SBA, the pilot attempted to extend the landing gear. The green landing gear light confirming the gear was down and locked did not illuminate, and he did not hear the familiar sound of gear movement. During the approach, the landing gear hydraulic pump circuit breaker opened. The pilot reset the breaker, but it opened a second time. He then attempted to manually extend the landing gear using the hand pump, but the pump did not increase hydraulic system pressure.
The pilot communicated with tower controllers, who confirmed during a low pass that the landing gear was not fully down and locked. The tower controller reported the nose landing gear was down, while the main landing gear was hanging and partially deployed. While troubleshooting, the pilot observed a low voltage warning light and declared an emergency. Subsequently, he landed with the gear partially retracted on runway 25.
Damage and Examination
The left horizontal stabilizer and elevator sustained substantial damage. During a postaccident examination of the landing gear hydraulic system, a leak was found in the right main landing gear downlock actuator. The airplane was placed on jack stands, and the system was pressurized. Hydraulic fluid immediately exited between the firewall 90° Army-Navy (AN) fitting and nut on the right main landing gear downlock actuator. The actuator O-ring was replaced, and adequate torque was applied to the firewall fitting nut. After pressurizing the system to 1,500 psi, no additional fluid leak was detected. An operational system check was completed, and a logbook entry was made. The airframe and powerplant mechanic noted that the O-ring was present but "showing its age." There was no reference to previous inspections or maintenance associated with the actuator.