Introduction
On 3 June 2007, a Cessna 310R aircraft, registered Z-WLS, sustained a right main landing gear collapse during taxi at Lanseria Aerodrome (FALA) in South Africa. The pilot, the sole occupant, reported no injuries.
History of Flight
The aircraft had departed Bulawayo Aerodrome in Zimbabwe earlier that day, destined for Polokwane International Aerodrome (FAPP). The pilot intended to continue to Nelspruit Aerodrome (FANS) for repainting, but bad weather at Nelspruit prompted a change of destination to Lanseria. The landing at Lanseria was described as uneventful. During taxi, while turning left from taxiway Alpha onto taxiway Lima, the right main landing gear collapsed inward. The right propeller, wing tip, and stabilizer contacted the ground.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the undercarriage, right-hand propeller, right wing tip, and elevator. The taxiway received negligible scratch marks. The pilot was not injured.
Investigation
The aircraft was recovered to an approved Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) at Lanseria and inspected by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) investigation team. The landing gear down lock link, which supports the right gear lower side brace, was found to have failed. The broken link was not sent for metallurgical analysis, and maintenance history for the landing gear system was unavailable.
Probable Cause
The probable cause, as stated in the official report, is: "The failure of the down lock link in combination with the side load during the aircraft’s left turn caused the lower side brace to unlock, consequently causing the landing gear to collapse."