Event
A commercial certificated pilot was conducting a cross-country flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. Upon arrival at the destination airport, the pilot reported that the green down-and-locked light for the landing gear did not illuminate. He elected to execute a go-around. During the go-around, the pilot cycled the landing gear up and down twice. After both cycles, the green light appeared, indicating the gear was down and locked. The pilot then proceeded to land.
During the landing touchdown, the right main landing gear collapsed. The airplane exited the right side of the runway and struck a snowbank. The pilot stated that there were no known preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Inspection Findings
A postaccident inspection of the airplane was conducted by an independent aviation mechanic hired to repair the airplane. The inspection disclosed that the main landing gear maintenance did not appear to be in compliance with FAA Airworthiness Directive (AD) 77-13-21, Amendment 39-3093, effective December 16, 1977. That AD defines the actions and inspections necessary to maintain the landing gear in an airworthy condition and to preclude malfunction or collapse.
A review of the airplane's maintenance logbooks indicated only partial compliance with the AD. The aviation mechanic repairing the airplane reported that numerous landing gear components were worn well beyond the limits set forth in the AD and associated service letter.