Cessna 337 Safety Record

The loss of hydraulic accumulator pressure for reasons that could not be determined, which prevented the propeller from unfeathering, and the pilot's improper decision to attempt a go-around, which resulted in an off-airport landing and the airplane impacting trees and a fence. Contributing to the accident was the loss of tension at the flap switch pivot, which prevented it from holding position.

An area of pitting and corrosion on the surface of the aluminum hydraulic line connecting the emergency handle/pump to the electric hydraulic pump, which resulted in a loss of hydraulic pressure and the pilot’s inability to extend the landing gear.

The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the landing, resulting in a hard landing, nose gear collapse, runway excursion, and collision with terrain.

The pilot's selection of a departure runway of inadequate length for the density altitude, resulting in the airplane not gaining sufficient lift, departing the runway, and impacting terrain.

Lack of adequate power from the rear engine for undetermined reasons and the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during take-off. A contributing factor to the accident was the low altitude.

The pilot's intentional flight into adverse weather while operating under visual flight rules, his failure to maintain a cruising altitude sufficient to remain clear of power transmission wires, and his failure to maintain a visual lookout sufficient to see and avoid the power transmission wires.

The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing. Factors in the accident were the crosswind, and the pilot's lack of experience in make and model.

Failure of the pilot to extend the landing gear, and his failure to follow the published before landing checklist concerning extension of the landing gear.

Breakage of the safety wire that secured the propeller control cable to the support bracket. Factors were the inability of the pilot to feather the propeller or change propeller rpm, and rough, uneven, and unsuitable terrain on which to make a forced landing.

a leaking landing gear actuator seal, which resulted in an inability of the landing gear to lock in the down position. Failure of the emergency gear extension handle was a related factor.

the pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions, and failure to maintain sufficient distance/altitude from terrain. Low ceiling, flat light condition, and the ice pressure ridge were related factors.

The unapproved maintenance modification of the landing gear electrical system by maintenance personnel that prevented the extension of the landing gear.

The pilot's failure to maintain proper runway alignment during the approach and landing roll. A factor associated with the accident is the reduced visibility created by the falling snow.

the pilot's improper decision to takeoff with a tailwind condition on an unimproved grass strip and a subsequent premature rotation resulting in an aborted takeoff and a subsequent collision with a utility pole on the departure end of the grass strip.