Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 200; Flight Crew Total 800; Flight Crew Type 25
Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Ground Event / Encounter Gear Up Landing
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Diverted; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
During a routine training flight; where I was providing flight instruction under CFR Part 61; I experienced a mechanical failure of the left main landing gear during the extension cycle. The landing gear position indicator did not indicate green wheels; down and locked. It was observed from the cockpit; and numerous witnesses on the ground; that the left main landing gear appeared to be stuck in an in-transit position. Numerous attempts were made to troubleshoot and rectify the malfunction with no success. Radio communications were established between the pilot flying and maintenance personnel to further troubleshoot and find a solution. The nose landing gear; and right main landing gear operated normally when extended and retracted; however the left main landing gear did not appear to move. The angle of the left main landing gear was approximately 30 degrees from the fully extended position; and was hanging approximately 4 feet from the bottom of the fuselage as confirmed by ground base witnesses. It was decided that an emergency gear-up landing be attempted at a nearby airport due to the larger runways and rescue services available. An emergency was declared. One low approach was made for further visual confirmation. The Tower confirmed that the right main landing gear and nose wheel were in the up position; with the left main landing gear hanging below the fuselage. A successful gear up landing was made on the subsequent approach; with the left main landing gear folding aft into its wheel well; and the aircraft sliding to a stop on its belly. The pilot and passenger evacuated the aircraft with no injuries.
C172RG Instructor pilot experiences a left main gear failure during a training flight and elects to land with with the nose and right main gear retracted after declaring an emergency.