Posted for Laurie Fitzgerald (laurie@lauriefitzgerald.com):

Bob... when building the aircraft I realised that a failure of either of the
flexible lines from the shuttle valve to the main gear rams would result in
the dual failure of electric and manual system.

To help overcome this I replaced the 3000psi lines supplied with the kit
with 25000psi flexible hose and had it pressure tested and certified to
15000psi I didn't want to test to the full 25000psi and take the system to
the verge of failure.

When the system failed I was certain it must have been caused by the failure
of one of these flexible lines. I was surprised to find the failed flare
fitting on an aluminum line but now

realise that the manual pump is merely a backup for an electrical failure
and in most cases is of little value if an hydraulic line is breached. One
exception might be the flexible line on the flap system as this is
restricted and if

you act quickly you may get the gear down.

My rear carpet is testimony to the fact there was no shortage of hydraulic
fluid.

Charlie thanks for the comment on the gas strut. You are correct this was a
failure or at least an unintended consequence.

I test the gas strut each 100 hours and it was replaced 120 hours ago. It
works fine on a retraction test but I guess it couldn't overcome the
airloads.

I realise some Lancair IV-P piston powered aircraft are landing much slower
than me and this may be a factor in deployment of the nose gear.

On reflection, I am happy to accept the prop and engine damage and should I
be in this situation again I would prefer the nose gear did not deploy as I
believe

the stress associated with taking the entire load on the rudder and nose
wheel would likely over stress the airframe in the region of the baggage bay
door resulting in compression damage to the

hull.

Also I believe the wing which takes the load will be more likely to cause a
ground loop or rupture a wing tank.

I cannot be sure of the above but sometimes it's better the devil you know.

Either way in the end it's an expensive Bob sled ride.

Cheers

Laurie