Event Sequence
Shortly after departing, the pilot elected to return to the airport for paperwork he had forgotten. He reported that the approach and touchdown were normal, but during the landing roll, the left main landing gear collapsed. The aircraft subsequently veered off the runway and struck a runway light before coming to a stop.
Examination Findings
An examination of the left main landing gear revealed that the trunnion had failed near the fillet web due to fatigue. The trunnion had been in service for 1,255 hours of operation.
Maintenance Background
Piper Service Bulletin #787A, dated August 15, 1985, recommended that after 1,000 hours of service, the trunnions be inspected at intervals not to exceed 100 hours of operation until replaced. Inspections were to be conducted with a 10-power magnifying glass after all paint and dirt were removed. The trunnion had been inspected 55 flight hours before the accident, but the operator reportedly failed to properly remove the paint and dirt prior to the inspection.