History of the Flight
On Saturday, 11 August 2012, a Cessna 177RG, registration D-EEDM, performed an emergency landing at Almeria Airport (Spain) with the main landing gear not locked in the down position. The private flight carried the pilot and three passengers. The aircraft had earlier flown from Catania, Sicily, to Cagliari, Sardinia, for refueling, then continued to Almeria with a stop at Murcia–San Javier for additional fuel. After being cleared to land on runway 25, the pilot attempted to lower the landing gear but did not receive a green light indication that the main gear was locked. Tower personnel confirmed the gear appeared down but could not verify it was locked. The pilot followed the emergency gear extension procedure from the Pilot's Operating Handbook but still lacked a locked indication. After burning off fuel, the pilot performed another low pass for tower inspection, with the same result. He then decided to land with the main gear assumed unlocked.
Emergency Landing and Outcome
The pilot executed the landing at minimum speed, stopped the engine, shut off the fuel valve, and unlatched the doors on final approach. Upon touchdown, the unlocked main gear legs collapsed, causing the aircraft to settle on the front nose gear (which was locked) and the lower aft fuselage. The airplane skidded on the runway, departed to the right, and came to a stop on the dirt and gravel strip. All four occupants exited uninjured. The aircraft sustained minor damage to the bottom surface of the horizontal stabilizer and the lower aft part of the fuselage. No damage occurred to airport facilities.
Pilot Information
The pilot, an Italian national aged 49, held a valid Private Pilot License (PPL(A)) for the aircraft type, issued by the Italian aviation authority, and a valid Class 2 medical certificate. He had 663 total flight hours, with 250 hours on the Cessna 177RG. He was the owner and usual pilot of the aircraft.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Cessna 177RG (Cardinal), serial number 177RG1054, manufactured in 1976. It was registered in Germany since November 2008 and had a valid airworthiness certificate. The single Lycoming IO-360-A1B6D engine and McCauley propeller were installed. The most recent maintenance, including a 50-, 100-, and 200-hour/annual inspection, was performed on 9 June 2012 at 3,901.25 flight hours. The aircraft's weight and balance were within limits during the incident flight.
Meteorological Conditions
At the time of the incident, visibility exceeded 10 km, wind was variable between calm and 3 knots from southeast to southwest, and temperature was 26 °C.
Survival Aspects
The pilot minimized landing speed to cushion impact. After the main gear collapsed, the aircraft skidded on its lower aft fuselage and horizontal stabilizer. The passenger compartment remained intact, and no fire occurred. All occupants exited the aircraft without assistance.
Investigation Findings
Examination revealed the hydraulic fluid level was correct with no leaks, and the hydraulic pump functioned properly. The actuator rod end, which transmits hydraulic piston motion to the main gear mechanism, was found broken. This break prevented force transfer, leaving the main gear unable to lock. The rod end fragment showed significant plastic deformation prior to separation. When the aircraft was lifted after landing, the main gear fell into an almost locked position, and the pilot confirmed both main gear legs could lock manually.