STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-January 4, 2024-A Cessna 210 airplane made an emergency landing at the Steamboat Springs Airport (SBS) today around 1pm due to a landing gear issue. The experienced pilot successfully carried out a gear-up, belly landing on Runway 32 without incident and minimal damage.
The Cessna 210 is a six-seat, retractable-gear, single-engine, high-wing general aviation aircraft. The pilot and aircraft, based at Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN), had completed an annual inspection, and was returning to HDN.
As the aircraft made the approach to HDN, the right landing gear would not come out of its door. The pilot circled the facility while discussing options with HDN airport personnel before deciding to head to SBS since the airport had a mechanic and maintenance facility currently on site.
The plane circled the airfield while ground preparations were made. Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue (SSFR) and Steamboat Springs Police Department (SSPD) responded and under the direction of SSFR Lieutenant Chris Welch set up preventative positions near the runway since the plane was carrying a full tank of fuel.
The aircraft made a textbook gear-up, belly landing and came to a stop without incident on the runway. The pilot sustained no injuries during the emergency procedure. After the aircraft was cleared by safety personnel, airport staff and the on-site mechanic used a jack to lift the plane releasing the landing gear and towed it to the maintenance hangar.
The runway was closed for approximately two hours during the incident and runway clean up. The airport reopened to general aviation traffic a little before 3pm.
-WeServeTheCity-
Contact
Stacie Fain, Airport Manager, Steamboat Springs Airport, 970.879.1204 or email
Chris Welch, Lieutenant, Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue, 970.879.7170 or email
Rich Brown, Commander, Steamboat Springs Police Department, 970.879.4344 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email