Pilot Attempted To Cycle The Landing Gear, Via The Emergency Landing Gear Extension Procedures

Location: Albuquerque, NM Accident Number: WPR21LA323
Date & Time: August 15, 2021, 14:57 Local Registration: N8029G
Aircraft: Cessna 177RG Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation – Personal

On August 15, 2021, about 1457 mountain daylight time, a Cessna C177, N8029G, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Albuquerque, New Mexico. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff from St. Johns Industrial Air Park (KSJN), St. Johns, Arizona, he noted a decrease in performance and discovered that the landing gear was not fully retracted. The pilot attempted to cycle the landing gear, via the emergency landing gear extension procedures, and was able to extend to nose landing gear, but he was unable to obtain a positive down and locked indication on the main landing gear. As fuel levels decreased, the pilot elected to land the airplane at Albuquerque International Sunport Airport (KABQ), Albuquerque, New Mexico, with the main landing gear in the retracted position.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the aft fuselage was substantially damaged. The wreckage was recovered for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov