N867MF

On February 7, 2000, at 1200 hours mountain standard time, a Cessna 310L, N867MF, experienced a partial gear up landing at Flagstaff Pulliam airport, Flagstaff, Arizona. The aircraft sustained substantial damage; however, the certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The aircraft was being operated as a personal flight by the pilot/owner under 14 CFR Part 91 when the accident occurred. The flight originated from Centennial Airport, Denver, Colorado, at 0820 on the morning of the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed.

The pilot reported that, after he had lowered the gear handle, the green nose gear light did not illuminate. He radioed the tower operator and asked for a low approach so that the operator could make a visual check of the gear. After the approach, he was told that the nose gear was not visible. He requested permission to continue in the pattern so that he could try cycling the gear. After three attempts; however, he was still had not gotten a green light. Following the third attempt he requested another low approach, but was again told that the nose gear was still not visible. He then raised the gear handle and told the tower operator that he intended to make a gear up landing. The runway was foamed and the pilot landed gear-up without further incident.

A postaccident inspection by Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness inspectors revealed a fracture across the eyelet of the nose gear retraction rod.