CE-560 XLS crew reported a hydraulic system malfunction at cruise altitude. The crew diverted to an alternate airport and landed safely without damage or injury.
Synopsis
CE-560 XLS crew reported a hydraulic system malfunction at cruise altitude. The crew diverted to an alternate airport and landed safely without damage or injury.
Narrative
While in cruise at FL400 we first received a LO HYD LEVEL annunciator followed by a LO HYD FLOW R within a few minutes. A few minutes later we received a LO HYD FLOW L annunciator. We initiated a diversion to ZZZ and ran the appropriate QRH's. All three annunciators remained illuminated for the remainder of the flight. An emergency gear extension was performed followed by a zero flap landing on Runway XXC at ZZZ. [Priority handling was requested]. We exited the aircraft through the main cabin door on Runway XXC. 2 passengers and 2 crew members exited the aircraft without incident. The CRM was excellent between the crew members and was the reason this flight came to a successful completion. After completion of the flight; the fire department found fluid pooling / leaking in the hydraulic access panel area and in the lower rear equipment Bay Area below the J Box. Another concern the crew had was the emergency gear extension process. When the AUX GEAR CONTROL handle was pull and turn clockwise" it released the uplocks and the gear free fell and we received 3 green but the handle rotated 360 degrees. When the AUX GEAR CONTROL Knob was "pulled to blow down" it was very difficult to move and snapped back to its original position by itself. It appeared to not "blow down" with pressure and during post flight the bottle in the nose had not been depleted. This system is not used often and seemed to be rigged incorrectly when needed."
Second reporter narrative
While flying at FL400; the LO HYD LEVEL annunciator came on. A few minutes later the LO HYD FLOW R annunciator also came on; followed by the LO HYD FLOW L shortly after. We [requested priority handling]; diverted to ZZZ airport; and ran the appropriate QRHs. An emergency gear extension was performed; flaps extension failed; and all three annunciators stayed illuminated throughout the remainder of the flight. We made a [priority] landing on Runway XXC at ZZZ; normal braking system was used throughput the landing roll. While on the runway; we proceeded to shut off both engines; and the 2 crew members and 2 passengers safely evacuated the aircraft through the main cabin door. During aircraft inspection; we discovered that the hydraulic fluid reservoir was empty; and hydraulic fluid was dripping from the lower back area of the aircraft; near the tail cone access door. CRM and adherence to SOPs were the key to the successful outcome of this [priority handling] event.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.