Overview
On 26 August 2021, a Cessna T-210N Centurion, registration OB-1557, operated by Aero Palcazu S.A.C., experienced a serious incident during landing at Contamana Airport (SPCM), Loreto, Peru. The aircraft was performing a non-scheduled visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Yurimaguas Airport (SPMS).
Sequence of Events
The aircraft departed Yurimaguas at 11:52 local time. At 11:55, the pilot reported on frequency 126.90 while on a left base leg for runway 09 at Contamana. When the pilot moved the landing gear selector to DOWN, the green gear-down-and-locked indicator did not illuminate. He retracted the gear (amber light confirmed) and extended again with the same result. The pilot then performed the emergency procedure for landing gear malfunction/failure to extend, using the manual hydraulic pump, but the green light remained off. Observing the left-wing mirror, he saw the nose gear appeared down. To verify, he performed a low pass over the airport, where ground personnel confirmed all landing gear appeared extended.
The pilot proceeded to land on runway 27. After the main landing gear touched down and the engine was shut off, the nose gear contacted the runway but retracted without pilot command. The nose dropped, causing the propeller blades and nose to contact the runway surface. The aircraft slid to a stop in this configuration. The pilot and the maintenance technician on board evacuated without injury.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damage to the nose gear doors and adjacent fairings, as well as the tips of all three propeller blades. No other damage occurred.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the uncommanded nose gear retraction resulted from the nose gear actuator piston not completing the retraction cycle due to a lack of hydraulic fluid. This prevented the locking mechanism from engaging the nose gear in the extended position. Consequently, when weight was applied during landing, the gear retracted.
Probable Cause
The uncommanded retraction of the nose landing gear during landing occurred because the nose gear actuator piston did not complete the retraction cycle due to lack of hydraulic fluid, preventing the locking mechanism from securing the gear in the extended position.