Event
An aircraft, which had been tentatively sold to its two passengers, was being flown from Marlboro, Massachusetts, to Dumas, Arkansas, with a planned refueling stop at Clarksburg, West Virginia. Shortly after departing from Clarksburg, the pilot encountered a radio problem and was cleared to land on Runway 21 via a green light signal from the tower. The landing touchdown was reportedly normal; however, during the rollout, the left main landing gear collapsed. The aircraft sustained minor damage.
Examination
An examination of the aircraft revealed that the main attaching bolt, located in the gear box under the fuselage, had failed. Subsequently, the left main landing gear failed aft, and the tire separated from the left wheel. A metallurgical examination of the failed bolt showed indications of a corroded intergranular fracture mode in a crescent-shaped area. The remaining portion of the fracture had clean ductile dimples, typical of overstress.
Additional Details
The aircraft's radio problem prompted the return to Clarksburg. No further details about the occupants or any injuries were provided in the source.