Event Description
The incident occurred during the landing flare and touchdown. The pilot reported that the airplane initially touched down on the left main landing gear, followed by the nose gear and then the right main landing gear. When the right main landing gear made contact, the pilot stated it "didn't feel right or usual."
Pilot Actions
In response, the pilot advanced engine power, and the airplane became airborne for approximately 50 feet. Subsequently, the airplane "bounced onto runway," and the right propeller struck the runway. The airplane became airborne again before performing a final "hard landing."
Inspection Findings
Post-incident inspection of the right main landing gear revealed that the upper and lower torque links had separated at the common pivot-point. This separation allowed the lower strut to rotate within the upper strut. The torque links are connected by a bolt, nut, bushing, and several washers. The washer that prevents the bolt head and pressed bushing from pulling through the common pivot-point was not installed. Despite this, the as-installed stack-up remained together and was attached to the upper torque link. The pressed bushing from the lower torque link was found with the as-installed stack-up. The torque links for the left main landing gear were correctly assembled.
The missing washer allowed the torque links to separate during touchdown, leading to the collapse of the right main landing gear.