Accident Details
On October 10, 2022, at approximately 1645 mountain standard time, a Cessna T210L (registration N2425S) sustained substantial damage during an accident near Marana, Arizona. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, reported no injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. According to the pilot, this was the aircraft's first flight following an engine overhaul and airframe annual inspection.
Pilot Actions
The pilot planned a maintenance test flight. After a normal takeoff, the landing gear was retracted. While on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the pilot noticed that the landing gear position indicator light was not illuminated. Cycling the landing gear control lever did not change the indicator lights. Using mirrors attached to the airframe, the pilot confirmed that the nose landing gear appeared extended, but the left main gear door was open and seemed abnormal.
The pilot then attempted to extend the landing gear using the emergency hand pump but felt no resistance or hydraulic pressure development. A low pass over the runway allowed ground personnel to observe that the nose landing gear was extended, but both main landing gears were not. The pilot remained airborne for about 50 minutes to reduce fuel weight before landing. A stable approach was made, and upon touchdown, the airplane exited the left side of the runway. Substantial damage occurred to the left horizontal stabilizer and elevator.
Postaccident Examination
Examination of the landing gear system after the accident revealed that the left main landing gear actuator retaining ring had separated from the actuator cylinder, exposing the internal rod and O-rings. The source noted that the retaining ring inside the actuator cannot be inspected due to the seat being recessed into the cylinder. Additionally, the actuator currently has no specified overhaul time or cycle limit.