History of the Flight
The pilot, holding an Airline Transport Pilot Licence with 12,895 total flying hours (445 on type), departed from Kirknewton Airfield, where the aircraft was based, for a private flight to Oban Airport, Argyll, with two passengers. On arrival, the pilot joined the circuit from overhead and extended the landing gear during the downwind leg. He confirmed three green ‘gear down-and-locked’ indication lights were illuminated, though he noted that the lights were difficult to see in the bright sunlight.
As the aircraft descended to touchdown on the runway, the pilot felt a bump as the right wheel touched down. He reported that the right main gear then began to collapse. No warnings were indicated to suggest that the gear was not down or that it was unsafe. The pilot selected the gear up and attempted a go-around. However, as he relaxed back pressure on the control column to level the aircraft, the step protruding from the fuselage touched the ground. The pilot then chose to commit to a landing with the gear retracting; post-accident pictures confirmed that the nose gear doors were still open. The aircraft skidded along the runway for approximately 100 m before coming to rest.
Injuries and Occupants
The pilot and two passengers were not injured and exited the aircraft normally.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damage to the left wing flap, fuselage, nose gear doors, and propeller.