On May 28, 1990, a Cessna 310 (registration N8148M) operated by Pierce, Tom was involved in an aviation accident near Ogden, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure the landing gear was fully extended and locked prior to touchdown, due to a relay and switch that were out of adjustment and working intermittently. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot experienced a landing gear collapse shortly after touchdown during a local flight. The incident resulted in damage to the left wing, horizontal stabilizer, and fuel tank due to a faulty relay.
What happened
The private pilot was conducting a local flight when they attempted to land the aircraft. Upon touchdown, the airplane rolled approximately 300 feet along the runway before the left main landing gear collapsed. The impact caused significant structural damage to the airframe, specifically affecting the left wing, the horizontal stabilizer, and the left main fuel tank.
The investigation
A postaccident inspection of the aircraft revealed mechanical issues within the landing gear system. Investigators found that a relay and switch were out of adjustment. This malfunction caused the components to work intermittently, which allowed the landing gear to interrupt its extension process prior to engaging the down lock mechanism.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the failure of the landing gear to fully extend and lock due to the misadjusted relay and switch. The pilot reported that the collapse occurred immediately after the initial contact with the runway surface, indicating a pre-existing mechanical condition rather than an operational error during the flare or rollout.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure the landing gear was fully extended and locked prior to touchdown, due to a relay and switch that were out of adjustment and working intermittently.
