# NTSB LAX89LA250: Cessna 210, N76RR, Thermal, CA, July 27, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 27, 1989, 16:11 local (23:11 UTC)
- Place: Thermal, CA
- Coordinates: 33.480613, -116.099082 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.4806&lon=-116.0991&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 30, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26455
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89LA250
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26455/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA250

## Probable cause

A TWISTED NOSE GEAR UPLOCK DUE TO AN ELONGATED BOLT HOLE WHICH PREVENTED THE NOSE GEAR FROM EXTENDING.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - landing gear,nose gear - binding(mechanical) (cause)
  - landing gear,gear locking mechanism - jammed (cause)
  - landing gear,nose gear assembly - elongated (cause)
  - maintenance,adjustment - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
- Gear not extended, landing - flare/touchdown
  - wheels up landing - performed, pilot in command

## Analysis

A CESSNA 210 DEPARTED THERMAL, CA FOR A LOCAL FLIGHT TO FUNCTIONALLY CHECK THE LANDING GEAR SYSTEM DUE TO A PREVIOUS PROBLEM. THE GEAR RETRACTED NORMALLY HOWEVER THE NOSE GEAR WOULD NOT EXTEND WHEN THE LANDING GEAR WAS LOWERED. AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS THE PILOT MADE A SOFT FIELD LANDING WITH THE GEAR RETRACTED. EXAMINATION OF THE NOSE GEAR FOUND THAT THE UPLOCK HAD TWISTED IN PLACE FROM ITS ORIGINAL POSITION DUE TO AN ELONGATED BOLT HOLE FROM PREVIOUS MAINTENANCE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N76RR](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N76RR), registered now, S/N 57051, built 1959 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 210
- Registry model: [Cessna 210](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-210) (registry code 2073402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental I0-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-i0-470-series) (registry code 17027, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 57057
- Airframe hours: 3134
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-470-E 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Ralph J. Shaffer
- Registered owner: Ralph J Shaffer
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 1, 1989
- Airport: TRM, Thermal, runway 17, 5,000 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 683 total, 583 in this make and model, 58 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 109 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19890727025759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890727025759A), Jul 27, 1989: Cessna 210, Thermal, CA, Substantial damage. Nose gear door stayed open. Returned. On next test hop nose gear stayed up. Landed gear up. Loose uplock jammed gear.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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