Incident Overview
After the pilot deployed the landing gear prior to landing, an unsafe gear indication was observed. The landing gear was recycled, but the unsafe condition persisted. The pilot then manually cranked the gear to the down position using the hand-crank mechanism. During this process, the crank was turned through the physical stop, causing the stop to break.
Landing and Damage
Upon touchdown, the left main landing gear was in an "over-center" condition, causing it to collapse. The collapse resulted in substantial damage to the airplane.
Post-Incident Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed a broken tab on the left main landing gear "squat" switch. This broken tab rendered the safe gear indicator inoperative, which prevented proper indication of the landing gear status.
Probable Cause
The investigation did not state a probable cause.