Baron 55/Cochise
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 30; Flight Crew Total 1200; Flight Crew Type 400
Troubleshooting; Distraction; Human-Machine Interface; Situational Awareness; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
On approach to landing the right main gear indicator failed to illuminate. I advised the Tower and started climb to a safe altitude. Tower advised that it appeared that the right main gear was not fully extended. I advised Tower that I intended to climb to a safe altitude and perform an emergency gear extension. Tower advised me to fly a heading of 140 then sent me back over to Approach Control. After establishing radio contact with Approach; I attempted a manual gear extension. Emergency procedures where followed from the POH. After the procedure the right main gear light was still out. I advised ATC that I wanted to return to my base airport. A new code was issued and I remained on VFR flight following. I made contact with Approach and advised them of my situation. I advised that I wanted to attempt a second gear extension before switching over to Approach; this channel is extremely busy. Controller asked if I want to declare an emergency; I declined at that time. The second attempt yielded the same results; no right main gear light. At that time I felt the gear was unsafe and might collapse on landing; I elected to declare an emergency. While in route; the Controller asked if I wanted to land at an airport with emergency equipment and suggested a nearby major airport. I agreed and asked for a vector and loaded the ID in my GPS. I made a successful landing. The landing gear was found to be down and locked into place. There was no damage to the aircraft or any ground equipment. I reported to the emergency crew and asked permission to restart my aircraft and taxi to the ramp. I spoke with the Airport Administrator and provided my person information to the Tower for reporting. I then called the phone number given me by the Controller as requested by ATC.
A BE55 landing gear did not indicate down and locked so the pilot declared an emergency and landed safely at an airport with emergency equipment as suggested by ATC.