Incident Summary
A training flight operating at Baroda airport experienced a landing gear failure during a touch-and-go exercise. The aircraft, under the command of an examiner pilot with a trainee pilot in the right seat, had completed the first touch-and-go without incident. During the second touchdown, the left main landing gear failed at the shock strut outer cylinder. The inner cylinder and attached main wheel assembly separated from the aircraft.
Event Details
Following the failure, the aircraft continued moving forward. The remaining portion of the left shock strut contacted the runway, along with the left engine propellers and the fuselage bottom. The aircraft came to rest on the left side strip of the runway. There was no fire and no injuries to the persons on board.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the accident occurred during aircraft touchdown due to liberation of the sliding piston along with the wheels of the left main landing gear as a result of failure of the locking arrangement on the piston top end. Non-compliance by the operator of the Service Bulletin issued by the Manufacturer and Mandatory Modifications issued by the DGCA regarding piston-adapter and dowel pin lock fitment, is the Contributory Factor in the accident.