Received-SPF: pass
 receiver=logan.com; client-ip=206.46.173.11; envelope-from=N4ZQ@VERIZON.NET
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
MIME-version: 1.0 (Apple Message framework v1085)
Subject: Re: Hydraulic gear pump failure
From: "Greenbacks, UnLtd." <N4ZQ@VERIZON.NET>
In-reply-to: <listdigest-6136797@logan.com>
Date: Sun, 24 Mar 2013 19:09:26 -0400
Content-transfer-encoding: quoted-printable
Message-id: <98000628-31DF-40C0-AEBD-729E2A1ADA5A@VERIZON.NET>
References: <listdigest-6136797@logan.com>
To: Lancair Mailing List <lml@lancaironline.net>

Today's 2.5hr flight KBVY-EEN-KLEB-KBTV-KSFM-KBVY was normal right up to =
the point=20
when I dropped the gear switch as I turned from base to final...nothing =
happened, no transition light, no air noise as the
gear doors open, no pump sound, nada... So I exit the pattern and climb =
to 2500ft while I begin to contemplate my naval as well as my options.
Pump and relay breakers had not popped. High pressure indicated =
1400psi/30psi low, normal. So I returned
to the airport at 2000ft while numerous aircraft were in the pattern at =
1200ft, pulled pump and relay breakers, lowered the gear switch at 120 =
and opened the dump valve and high/low psi drop to zero. Left main was =
first to go green, right rudder resulted in right main green, nose was =
stubborn until 85 and with a tug of up elevator, it went green. With =
pump and relay breakers in, still no pump, no down pressure. I advised =
the tower I was coming straight to the runway. All the while, there is =
this mental image forming of a loosening sphincter muscle and =
prematurely shortened lifespan. The soon to be closed tower said the =
gear appeared to be down. Gear lights indicated down and locked, but =
would they all hold with no down pressure?
In the end, it was the best squeaker landing yet, if I do say so myself. =
:-)

So tomorrow brings the post mortem analysis.=20

Angier Ames
N4ZQ
18hrs=20=