Introduction
A pilot practicing short field landings experienced a landing gear collapse during the flare and touchdown. The aircraft was being prepared for a commercial pilot check flight, and the pilot had previously failed two check flights.
Background
The pilot had failed two prior check flights. During the first failed check flight, the airplane was approximately 20 feet above ground level when the pilot lowered the landing gear during a simulated emergency. During the second check flight, short field landings were found unsatisfactory. For the accident flight, the pilot was practicing short field landings in preparation for another check flight.
Accident Sequence
During one of the short field landing attempts, as the pilot flared and touched down, the right main landing gear collapsed. Subsequently, the inboard right main gear door scraped along the runway surface. A witness observed that the right landing gear was not fully extended when the right wing struck the runway.
Post-Accident Examination
After the accident, a mechanic entered the cockpit and noted that the landing gear handle was in the 'down' position. The landing gear motor circuit breaker was found 'popped.' When the mechanic turned on the master switch and reset the circuit breaker by pushing it in, the gear motor ran for two seconds, and the green gear-down indicator light illuminated. An inspection of the gear system components revealed no damage or discrepancies. No faults were found in either the landing gear system or the electrical system.