What happened
On 1 February 2011, a Cessna 310R, registration G-BGTT, was conducting a private positioning flight from Exeter to Guernsey. During the flight, air traffic control lost radio contact with the aircraft. The pilot subsequently contacted Jersey Zone, reporting difficulties with radio communications and noting that the weather at the intended destination of Guernsey was below the requirements for a Special VFR flight. Consequently, the pilot requested a diversion to Jersey.
While being vectored toward Jersey, the pilot encountered further radio communication issues, specifically struggling to follow heading instructions and failing to respond to frequency change requests. Jersey Approach eventually established two-way communication using an emergency handset. The aircraft was cleared for an ILS approach into Jersey, with reported visibility of 1,500 m and a cloud base of 900 ft.
Although the touchdown was observed to be smooth, the pilot reported that as the aircraft's weight settled, the left landing gear green light extinguished and the red gear unsafe warning light activated. The left landing gear collapsed, causing the left propeller to strike the runway. The pilot managed to shut down the engines and vacate the aircraft safely, with no injuries to the crew.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined the damaged aircraft and reviewed radio transmission recordings from Jersey Approach and Tower. The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the landing gear and the circumstances leading to the gear failure. Analysis of the aircraft's maintenance history revealed that the aircraft had been idle for an extended period prior to the flight, as it was being positioned for major servicing.
Findings
- The left landing gear collapsed during the landing roll.
- An examination of the landing gear mechanism revealed extensive corrosion on various components.
- There was no evidence that the landing gear pivot bearings had been recently lubricated.
- The aircraft had been unused for a significant period before the flight.