Accident Overview
On 17 January 2021 at 1354 UTC, a Cessna 310Q (registration N25XL, serial number 310Q, year of manufacture 1974) operated by a private pilot on a local flight experienced a loss of directional control during landing at Belfast International Airport. The aircraft, equipped with two TCM 10-470-VO piston engines, suddenly veered to the right after touchdown and came to rest on the grass area beside the runway. The sole pilot, a 58-year-old Commercial Pilot Licence holder with 1,590 total flying hours (900 on type), was uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and minor scrape damage was inflicted on the runway surface and runway edge lighting.
Pilot Report and Initial Findings
The pilot reported that the approach and landing were normal, with three green lights indicating the landing gear was down and locked. The flight was intended for circuit practice to maintain recency and to conduct engine health checks. The pilot had flown only 5 hours in the last 90 days and 1 hour in the last 28 days.
Examination of Landing Gear
The AAIB did not attend the scene; however, a licenced engineer later examined the aircraft. The investigation identified that the right main landing gear torque tube had failed in torsion. According to the engineer's report, this torque tube should not have been carrying any load once the gear was in the locked-down position. Further examination revealed visible corrosion on the landing gear and an apparent lack of adequate lubrication of the pivot joints.
The aircraft had undergone an Annual/100-hour inspection on 30 September 2020, approximately 3½ months before the accident, which included an inspection of the landing gear. The AAIB noted that previous similar events involving the same type of aircraft had been reported where lack of lubrication and/or freedom of movement of the landing gear mechanism pivot joints was a factor.
Damage Assessment
The substantial damage to the aircraft and the minor scrape damage to the runway surface and edge lighting highlighted the severity of the loss of control. The pilot's lack of injuries was noted, though the aircraft required extensive repair.