Event
On 7 November 2001 at 1922 UTC, a Cessna 310R (registration G-BGTT) was preparing for a cargo flight from Jersey Airport to Guernsey. The pilot taxied to holding point 'Golf' and received ATC clearance to line up on Runway 27. As the aircraft began to enter the runway, the right main landing gear collapsed without warning. The right wing and right propeller struck the ground. The pilot shut down both engines, secured the aircraft, and notified ATC.
Examination
Post-incident examination revealed that the rivets attaching the landing gear torque tube support bracket assembly (part number 5027002-5) to the wing structure had failed. This failure allowed the aft end of the torque tube to become displaced, causing the landing gear side brace to move out of lock and resulting in the collapse of the right main landing gear.
Previous Accident History
The same aircraft had been involved in an accident on 6 June 2001, in which the right main landing gear failed to retract and subsequently collapsed on landing (referenced in AAIB Bulletin 12/2001). It is believed that the rivets holding the torque tube support bracket were overstressed during that event, but this damage was not evident during subsequent external inspections of the landing gear.
Damage and Injuries
The damage was limited to the right main landing gear mechanism and the right propeller. The sole crew member, the pilot, sustained no injuries. No passengers were on board.