Incident Overview
A pilot was taxiing to the parking area and initiated a left turn when the right main landing gear collapsed. The collapse resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft's right wing and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured.
Investigation Findings
An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted an on-scene investigation. The investigation determined that the landing gear was not properly reassembled after maintenance had been performed. Specifically, a certified airframe and powerplant mechanic omitted a bushing on the right main landing gear side link lower attach point.
Mechanical Analysis
Due to the incorrect reassembly, the down-lock tension in the landing gear system fell below allowable limits during subsequent cycles. This condition led to the collapse of the gear when the aircraft was under load during the taxi turn. The absence of the bushing compromised the integrity of the landing gear locking mechanism.
Conclusion
The FAA inspector's report concluded that the gear collapse was directly caused by the missing bushing, which was omitted during maintenance. The incident highlights the critical nature of following proper assembly procedures during aircraft maintenance.