On March 10, 1989, a Cessna 310 (registration N4899B) operated by Ryan, William A. was involved in an aviation accident near Long Beach, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The torque link center attach bolt washer was undersized, allowing the upper torque link to pull free from the lower torque link. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Cessna 310 experienced a right main gear collapse while taxiing off the runway at Long Beach Airport after the pilot aborted takeoff due to a vibration. Investigation found an undersized washer in the torque link assembly.
Incident
During taxi off the runway at Long Beach Airport (LGB), the right main landing gear of a Cessna 310 collapsed. The pilot reported sensing a vibration during the initial takeoff roll and decided to abort the takeoff. As the aircraft exited the runway, the right main gear failed.
Maintenance History
The aircraft had been returned to service following an annual inspection and landing gear maintenance on March 3, 1989. Aircraftsman, a fixed-base operator at Long Beach Airport, had replaced all bushings and spacers in the main gear torque links during that maintenance.
Investigation Findings
Examination revealed that the torque link center attach bolt washer was undersized. This condition allowed the upper torque link to pull free from the lower torque link, leading to the gear collapse. The aircraft came to rest on the taxiway after the collapse.
Probable cause
The torque link center attach bolt washer was undersized, allowing the upper torque link to pull free from the lower torque link.