Accident Overview
On November 5, 2012, at approximately 1150 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28R-180 (registration N4534J) experienced a right main landing gear collapse during the landing roll at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE), Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The commercial pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a defense visual flight rules flight plan had been filed for the flight, which departed South Bimini Airport (MYBS), South Bimini, The Bahamas, destined for FXE. The personal flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for single-engine land, multiengine land, and instrument airplane. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued on December 28, 2010, and he reported 6,859 total hours of flight experience, with 600 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane.
The four-seat, low-wing, retractable tricycle-gear airplane was manufactured in 1968 and powered by a Lycoming IO-360, 180-horsepower engine equipped with a Hartzell propeller. According to the airplane's logbooks, the most recent annual inspection was completed on October 25, 2012. During that inspection, the airplane was placed on jacks; the main landing gear and down locks were lubricated; all wheels and brakes were inspected; the landing gear was retracted; and an operational check of the landing gear was performed. At that time, the airplane had accumulated 4,240 total hours of operation, and the engine had approximately 268 total hours since new.
Events of the Landing
The pilot reported lowering the landing gear during the approach, and the three green landing gear indicator lights illuminated. During the landing roll, about 500 to 600 feet after touchdown on runway 31, the pilot applied brakes, and subsequently the right main landing gear collapsed.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination by an FAA inspector revealed two cracks on a structural rib in the right wing. The airplane was stored outside for eight months following the accident in an area inaccessible for a full landing gear examination. On July 17, 2013, after being moved to a hangar, a mechanic performed an operational check of the landing gear. The airplane was placed on jacks, and inspection of the landing gear and its components found corrosion, binding, and a lack of lubrication to the right main landing gear down-lock latch mechanism.
Weather Conditions
The recorded weather at FXE at 1253 included wind from 270 degrees at 9 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, scattered clouds at 1,800 feet, temperature 26°C, dew point 13°C, and a barometric altimeter setting of 29.97 inches of mercury.