On December 19, 2007, a Cessna 310P (registration N5811M) was involved in an aviation accident near Dunnellon, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The improper installation of the right main landing gear scissors by company maintenance personnel, resulting in the collapse of the right main landing gear during takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a training flight, the right main landing gear collapsed after a touch and go landing, caused by improper installation of washers on the scissors assembly.
Accident Description
A certified flight instructor (CFI) and a pilot receiving instruction were conducting a training flight practicing touch and go landings. The pilot receiving instruction completed a touch and go landing and remained in the left traffic pattern for another attempt. The airplane touched down on the runway, and the CFI retracted the flaps. The pilot receiving instruction added power, and the airplane pulled to the right. Believing the airplane had a flat tire, the CFI took over the flight controls. Despite the CFI's efforts, the airplane continued turning to the right, and the CFI lost directional control as the right wing dropped and struck the runway. The airplane departed the right side of the runway before coming to a stop.
Examination Findings
Review of the aircraft logbooks revealed that a mechanic had installed new scissors bushings on the airplane on December 18, 2007. Examination of the right main landing gear showed that the wide area washers had not been installed under the bolt head as required by the maintenance manual. These washers are designed to prevent the scissors from sliding off the bushings at the attachment point. The mechanic had installed the washers on the wrong side of the scissors. After the second touch and go landing, the scissors separated, allowing the wheel to move loosely, which precipitated the collapse of the right main landing gear.