Primary finding
Probable cause
The failure of the landing gear to fully extend and lock in the down position for unknown reasons.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was returning for landing at the non-towered airport after a local flight. The pilot said he had an electrical problem during the arrival and the landing gear failed to extend. The pilot then used the "override valve" to attempt to manually extend the gear. On touchdown the landing gear was not extended and the wings contacted the concrete pavement. There was substantial damage to both wings, one wingtip, and the airplane's engine mounts. The fuel tanks ruptured and there was a significant fuel spill but no post-impact fire. The solo pilot was not injured. The FAA inspector that responded to the scene observed the recovery of the airplane. With the airplane suspended on a hoist, the landing gear extended and retracted normally using airplane's battery power; and extended normally and locked into place using only the landing gear bypass valve.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was returning for landing at the non-towered airport after a local flight. The pilot said he had an electrical problem during the arrival and the landing gear failed to extend. The pilot then used the "override valve" to attempt to manually extend the gear. On touchdown the landing gear was not extended and the wings contacted the concrete pavement. There was substantial damage to both wings, one wingtip, and the airplane's engine mounts. The fuel tanks ruptured and there was a significant fuel spill but no post-impact fire. The solo pilot was not injured. The FAA inspector that responded to the scene observed the recovery of the airplane. With the airplane suspended on a hoist, the landing gear extended and retracted normally using airplane's battery power; and extended normally and locked into place using only the landing gear bypass valve.