Accident Overview
On 22 March 2000 at 1419 UTC, a Cessna 310Q (registration G-AZYM, serial year 1972) operated by a private pilot on a return flight from Rotterdam experienced a landing gear collapse during landing rollout at Gamston Airport, Nottinghamshire. The aircraft was powered by two Continental Motors Corp IO-470-VO piston engines. The pilot, who held a Basic Commercial Pilot's Licence with 18,023 flight hours total (379 on type), and a passenger were on board; no injuries were reported. Damage was sustained to the nose landing gear and propellers.
Flight Sequence
The pilot reported an uneventful flight and contacted Gamston after being released by ATC at Waddington. The circuit rejoin and landing checks, including those for the landing gear, were recalled as normal. Touchdown was described as normal and 'on the numbers' for Runway 03. After throttles were closed and the aircraft decelerated, the pilot felt a jerk as the landing gear collapsed near a runway exit. The aircraft stopped rapidly, and the pilot secured the fuel and electrical systems. At that moment, he noticed the landing gear selector lever was positioned above its DOWN detent.
Post-Accident Examination
Following recovery, the landing gear retraction system was examined. Damage prevented a full functional test, but the system appeared intact with no evidence of malfunction. Notably, the 'D' doors (which close after main landing gear retraction) were undamaged, and the step aiding access to the wing-fuselage junction (mechanically linked to the main gear retraction mechanism) was also undamaged. The source notes that collapse of the landing gear while the aircraft is moving forward would normally cause damage to both the step and the 'D' doors, suggesting the gear may not have been fully extended and locked.
Findings and Cause
The official investigation did not assign a specific probable cause. The observed position of the landing gear selector lever above the DOWN detent and the lack of damage to components typically affected during a gear collapse imply that the landing gear may not have been fully down and locked at touchdown. However, no mechanical fault was found in the system.