What happened
On 17 January 2021, a Cessna 310Q, registration N25XL, was performing a private flight at Belfast International Airport. The pilot intended to conduct engine health checks and practice circuits to maintain flying recency. During the first landing of the flight, the aircraft suddenly veered toward the right side of the runway. The aircraft eventually came to a stop on the grass adjacent to the runway. The pilot sustained no injuries, though the aircraft suffered substantial damage, and minor damage was noted to the runway surface and edge lighting.
The investigation
While the AAIB did not attend the scene, a subsequent examination by a licensed engineer revealed that the right main landing gear torque tube had failed due to torsion. This specific component is not intended to bear any load once the landing gear is in the locked-down position. Further inspection of the landing gear assembly uncovered visible corrosion and evidence that the pivot joints had not been adequately lubricated. Records indicated that an Annual/100-hour inspection, which included a check of the landing gear, had been performed approximately three and a half months prior to the accident.
Findings
- The right landing gear torque tube failed in torsion.
- The landing gear mechanism exhibited visible corrosion.
- There was an apparent lack of sufficient lubrication within the pivot joints.
- The pilot had confirmed that the landing gear indicators showed the gear was down and locked during the approach.