Flight Details
The pilot-in-command was undergoing a competency check administered by a designated pilot examiner for the purpose of obtaining a multiengine flight instructor certificate. The pilot reported that the flight proceeded without any anomalies until the landing phase.
Landing and Gear Failure
The landing itself appeared normal. However, during the landing rollout, the gear down and locked indicator light turned off. The gear warning horn then sounded, and immediately afterward, the left main landing gear broke away from the aircraft. Control was lost, and the airplane departed the runway before striking a sign.
Post-Accident Examination
A detailed inspection of the failed left main landing gear trunnion identified a preexisting fatigue crack on its outer diameter surface, adjacent to the lower fillet radius of the web. The crack had grown to a length of 1.25 inches before the trunnion fractured completely.
Maintenance Records
The pilot stated that the airplane's last annual inspection occurred approximately 1.5 months and 53 flight hours prior to the incident.