Accident Overview
During the landing rollout, the left main landing gear collapsed, causing the airplane to impact the runway and subsequently lose control.
Investigation Findings
A metallurgical analysis of the spring down lock adjustment screw was conducted. The chemical composition of the screw conformed to the requirements of MIL-S-6758. Its hardness was measured at 29-30 HRC, which complies with MIL-S-6758 for 4130 steel. The fracture surface exhibited characteristics of overload; no indications of fatigue or corrosion cracking were observed.
Aircraft and Maintenance
The empty weight of the aircraft was 3,816 pounds, and the fuel quantity was reported at 200 gallons. A review of maintenance records revealed that the landing gear had been inspected during a phase two progressive inspection conducted in accordance with the Cessna Aircraft's 310 Service Manual Inspection Checklist. No entries were made in the remarks section of the checklist pertaining to the landing gear. The inspection was completed on April 25, 1998, and the time since the last inspection was 47 hours.
Weather and Operational Conditions
The Pilot's Operating Handbook specifies a maximum demonstrated crosswind velocity of 19 knots at a landing weight of 5,400 pounds at sea level conditions on a standard day. The automated surface observing system (ASOS) observation at 1006 CDT indicated wind from 210 degrees at 8 knots with no gusts.