Left Main Landing Gear Collapses During Landing Roll at Remote Airport (N5712X)

Incident Overview

A private certificated pilot, who also holds an aviation mechanic certificate, experienced a left main landing gear collapse during the landing roll at a remote airport while on a cross-country business flight. The pilot reported that the aircraft was equipped with a single landing gear position indicator light. Prior to landing, he observed the right main landing gear and the nose gear through a mirror mounted on the right engine nacelle; both appeared to be extended, and the landing gear position light indicated green.

Damage and Inspection

The aircraft sustained damage to the left flap and the underside of the fuselage. The pilot noted that the landing gear drive mechanism consists of an actuator rod driven by an electric motor. He stated that the main landing gear had been subjected to side loads during a flight immediately preceding the accident flight. He suggested that either the left main landing gear actuator rod or its associated support structure may have been damaged as a result. As of July 2004, the pilot had not yet had the opportunity to thoroughly inspect the landing gear system to determine the precise cause of the collapse.