On July 4, 2002, a Cessna 340A (registration N15FH) was involved in an aviation accident near Bunnell, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A weak/stretched over-center spring leading to fracture of the right main landing gear extension tube. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported no down-and-locked indication for the right main landing gear during a test flight after annual inspection. The gear collapsed on landing, causing the airplane to exit the runway.
Incident Details
After an annual inspection, the pilot conducted a flight test. During the approximately 10-minute flight, upon returning for landing, the pilot observed a "down and locked" indication for the nose gear and left main landing gear, but no such indication for the right main landing gear. The pilot cycled the landing gear, performed a "fly by" of the airport, and consulted ground personnel to verify the gear's condition. The pilot then left the traffic pattern to execute the emergency checklist. However, the landing gear indications remained unchanged. Upon touchdown, the right main landing gear collapsed, causing the airplane to veer off the runway and sustain damage.
Postaccident Examination
An FAA inspector examined the airplane after the accident. The inspector determined that the right main landing gear extension tube had fractured due to a weak or stretched over-center spring.
Probable cause
A weak/stretched over-center spring leading to fracture of the right main landing gear extension tube.