On August 8, 1988, a Cessna 320E (registration N222L) was involved in an aviation accident near Springfield, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The torque tube support assembly failed; the nose gear was out of rig; and a previous repair did not provide the strength of the original factory design, according to a mechanic's report. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a night arrival, the pilot did not receive a down and locked indication for the nose gear. After low passes and observations from tower and fire/rescue personnel reported the gear appeared extended, a normal landing was attempted, but the nose wheel collapsed upon contact.
Accident Summary
During a night arrival, the pilot failed to obtain a down and locked indication for the nose landing gear. The pilot then made several low passes over the runway for visual observation. Tower and fire/rescue personnel reported that the nose gear appeared to be extended. Based on these reports, the pilot proceeded with a normal landing. However, as the nose wheel contacted the runway, it collapsed.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination was conducted by a mechanic. The mechanic noted that the torque tube support assembly had failed. He also reported that the nose gear was out of rig. Furthermore, the mechanic stated that, in his opinion, a previous repair was not of a quality that would provide the strength of the original factory design, and would not hold the support rigid during landing gear cycling.
Probable cause
The torque tube support assembly failed; the nose gear was out of rig; and a previous repair did not provide the strength of the original factory design, according to a mechanic's report.