Incident Details
On December 2, 2011, at approximately 1425 Pacific standard time, the right main landing gear of a Beech 76 Duchess, registration N23852, collapsed after landing at San Carlos Airport in San Carlos, California. Bel-Air operated the airplane under 14 CFR Part 91. The flight was a local instructional trip that had departed Livermore, California, about 1410. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
The commercial pilot, who held a certified flight instructor certificate, and the private pilot undergoing instruction were not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
Sequence of Events
Shortly after takeoff, the tower controller notified the pilot that the right main landing gear did not appear to fully retract. The pilot circled back to allow the controller to observe the gear. While on the downwind leg, the pilot cycled the gear in an attempt to correct the discrepancy. During a low approach, the tower controller advised that all three landing gear appeared to be extended. The pilot then requested to depart to another airport.
On approach for landing, the pilot selected the gear down. The left and nose gear indication lights illuminated, but the right one did not. The pilot tested the light bulb and performed an emergency gear extension, which was unsuccessful. During a low approach, tower personnel reported that the landing gear appeared to be in the down position. The pilot was subsequently cleared to land. During the landing roll, everything appeared normal except that the right gear light remained off. The pilot reported that he cautiously slowed the airplane to almost a complete stop before turning off the runway. During the turn, the right main landing gear collapsed.
Examination
During recovery, the airplane was lifted and the right main landing gear was extended and secured. An examination by the assigned Federal Aviation Administration inspector and maintenance personnel revealed that the A-frame assembly, part number 105-810023-68, failed in what appeared to be overload at the top/forward attach point.