What happened
The incident began during the takeoff phase of flight. As the twin-engine airplane lifted off the ground, the pilot reported hearing a "bump." Shortly thereafter, as the landing gear was retracting and just before reaching the up and locked position, a "loud bang" was heard.
The pilot continued to the intended destination. Upon arrival, the pilot attempted to lower the landing gear, but the green light for the right main landing gear failed to illuminate. When the pilot raised the gear again, another "loud bang" occurred. Following these events, the pilot elected to return to the departure airport.
To confirm the mechanical issue with the right main landing gear, the pilot performed flybys at an en route airport and at the destination airport. The pilot then initiated a slow approach to runway 36. After ensuring landing was assured, the pilot shut down both engines. During the landing roll, the right main landing gear collapsed, resulting in no injuries.
The investigation
An examination of the right main landing gear was conducted by an A & P mechanic with an FAA Inspection Authorization (IA). The inspection revealed that the gear torque tube support bracket/pivot bearing broke, which subsequently allowed the gear down lock tube to break due to overtorquing.