Cessna 402 flight crew reported a hydraulic problem inbound to the airport.
Synopsis
Cessna 402 flight crew reported a hydraulic problem inbound to the airport.
Narrative
We went in range 5 miles out and entered the left downwind for [Runway] XXL. We were at 4;600 ft. MSL (pattern altitude). Abeam the numbers; Name selected gear down; and pushed mixtures and props forward. He noticed the red gear unsafe light illuminated and the left and right main gear lights illuminated. He then saw the hydro pressure light steadily on and both left and right hydro flow lights rapidly flickering and eventually steady. He cycled the gear 2-3 times and no change in the lights. He then asked me to go through the QRH checklist. He told the Tower we had to work out a gear issue; and eventually requested priority handling. They asked about 3 times if we wanted to do a low approach and Name declined each time. Name informed the Tower we would hold over ZZZZZ for the time being to resolve our issue. We worked through the checklist and were able to blow the gear down with the bottle. We both felt the gear lock in place and noticed 3 green lights. Name asked me to brief the passengers on the situation while he was talking with Company and Tower. We got cleared to land again; and on short final Tower said all 3 wheels appeared to be down. We were able to land safely and exit on [Taxiway] X. The fire trucks followed us to the gate; and once we deplaned we noticed hydraulic fluid leaking under the left wing. Name spoke with maintenance and had them taxi the aircraft back to the hangar.
Second reporter narrative
We went in range 5 miles out and entered the left downwind for [Runway] XXL. We were at 4;600 ft MSL (traffic pattern). Abeam the numbers I selected the gear down; and pushed the mixtures and props forward. I looked down at the gear indicator and noticed the red gear unsafe light illuminated; and the left and right main gears illuminated. I looked to the left to see the hydro pressure light steadily on and both left and right hydro flow lights rapidly flickering and eventually steady. I cycled the gear 2-3 times and no change in the lights. I gave the QRH to Name to go through the correct checklist. I put the autopilot on heading and altitude mode while Name worked out the checklist and prepared passengers. Initially I told Tower that we needed more time to sort out an issue. And then eventually requested priority handling. I told them about the gear issue; they responded a total of 3 times during the length of the incident to do a low approach; I declined all three times. I told Tower I would circle around ZZZZZ on the RNAV XXL. Name and I worked through the checklist and was able to blow the gear down with the nitrogen bottle. We felt the nose gear lock in place and noticed three green lights. I asked Name to talk to the passengers to prepare them for what was going to happen while I was talking to Company and Tower. I told Tower we were ready to come in. They cleared us to land. On short final Tower said they saw 3 wheels down. We landed safely and was able to exit on [Taxiway] X. The fire trucks followed us to the gate. Once we deplaned I noticed hydraulic fluid was leaking under the left wing. I asked the firefighters if it was leaking on the runway or taxi ways and they said no. So it started leaking once we got to the gate and after shutdown. I had maintenance tow the plane back to the hangar.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.