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September 25, 2019 · Lancair Lancair 320 No Series · N52WL

Bolivar, MO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 25, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Bolivar, MO
Aircraft
Lancair Lancair 320 No Series (2014)
Tail Number
N52WL
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN19TA333

While on approach for landing, the pilot activated the experimental airplane's landing gear extension switch and noticed that the right main landing gear indicator light was not illuminated. He recycled the landing gear, checked the circuit breaker, and performed an emergency landing gear extension; however, the right main landing gear did not extend. During the landing, the right wing contacted the runway and terrain. Examination of the airplane revealed that the hydraulic fluid reservoir contained a minimal amount of fluid. No visual leaks were noted with the hydraulic system. The reservoir tank was located aft of the firewall and was not visible during a pre-flight inspection due to fuselage structure. The airplane's annual condition inspection was expired; the pilot stated that he knew the inspection was out of date and was working on completing the inspection.

NTSB Probable Cause

Inadequate maintenance of the airplane, which resulted in a lack of adequate hydraulic fluid, malfunction of the landing gear extension system, and the landing gear collapse on landing.

Full Narrative

On September 25, 2019, at 1335 central daylight time, a Lancair 320 airplane, N52WL, experience a landing gear system malfunction while on approach to Bolivar Municipal Airport (M17), Bolivar, Missouri. The private pilot was not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing during the landing. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and a flight plan had not been filed. The airplane departed the Sparta/Fort McCoy Airport, Sparta, Wisconsin, at 1115, and was destined for M17. According to the pilot, while on visual approach to M17, he activated the landing gear extension switch and noticed the right main landing gear indication was not illuminated. The pilot recycled the landing gear, checked the landing gear circuit breaker, and performed an emergency landing gear extension; however, the right main landing gear did not extend. The pilot burned fuel for about 1 hour and landed on runway 18. During the landing, the right wing contacted the runway and terrain. The airplane came to rest upright. Examination of the airplane by Federal Aviation Administration inspectors revealed the airplane hydraulic fluid reservoir contained a minimal amount of fluid (see Figure 1). No visual leaks were noted with the hydraulic system. The reservoir tank was located aft of the firewall and was not visible during a pre-flight inspection due to fuselage structure. The most recent condition inspection was completed on January 12, 2017. The pilot stated he knew the inspection was out of date and was working on getting the inspection completed. Figure 1. Hydraulic Fluid Reservoir - Level Below Minimum (FAA)

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:35 CDT
Nearest AirportBolivar Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLancair Lancair 320 No Series
Tail NumberN52WL
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-320-B1A · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 65 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data