Wheels up landing involving Cessna C177RG, VH-JYH, Jandakot Airport, Western Australia, on 2 February 1990

Circumstances:

Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, the pilot realised that the aircraft performance was less than expected. The pilot and passenger then observed the landing gear had not fully retracted and was in a trailing position. Upon arrival at the destination, several unsuccessful recycles were attempted and low-level passes made for inspection purposes. Further unsuccessful attempts were made to extend and/or retract the landing gear. The aircraft made an approach with the landing gear trailing. During the landing flare, the landing gear folded into the retract positions and the aircraft settled firmly onto the grass flight strip. The investigation concluded that a metal saddle supporting the landing gear hydraulic lines had worn loose. A section of that line had then become chafed from contacting the main landing gear assembly during extension/retraction cycles. Eventually the line fractured, resulting in loss of hydraulic fluid. Subsequent attempts to recycle the landing gear depleted the hydraulic reservoir, leaving the landing gear in the trailing position.

Significant Factors:

The following factors were considered relevant to the development of the accident:

1. Hydraulic line saddle became loose in service.

2. Operation of the landing gear subsequently chafed the hydraulic circuit.

3. The landing gear was unable to be extended or retracted following failure of the landing gear hydraulic circuit.