Accident Overview
A solo airline transport pilot was conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) positioning flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, in a twin-engine, turboprop airplane. While on approach to the destination airport, the pilot moved the landing gear control selector to the down position and observed a red annunciator warning light indicating that the right main landing gear was not safe for landing.
Response to Warning
Upon seeing the warning, the pilot discontinued the approach and referred to the emergency and abnormal procedures section of the checklist. However, he reported being unable to find clear direction pertaining to his specific condition. The pilot also contacted maintenance personnel to request technical assistance, but the technician was unable to offer additional help.
The pilot then retracted and extended the landing gear three times, but the right main landing gear red annunciator warning light remained on each time. Subsequently, the pilot flew by the local control tower so that air traffic control tower personnel and maintenance technicians could inspect the landing gear prior to landing. After the fly-by, the pilot was advised that the right main landing gear appeared to be down, and the airplane was cleared to land.
Landing and Collapse
After landing, as the airplane's ground roll slowed, the right main landing gear collapsed. The right wing struck the surface of the runway and sustained substantial damage.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident inspection revealed no preaccident mechanical anomalies. The right main landing gear actuator and the right main landing gear downlock switch were removed for additional testing and evaluation; both functioned properly with no mechanical anomalies noted.
Pilot Actions and Procedures
The airplane flight manual's abnormal procedures section provides instructions for an alternate method of lowering the landing gear by pumping it down by hand until it reaches a locked position, or until maximum system pressure is reached if the down lock light does not illuminate. The pilot did not follow these procedures.