Accident Details
On 25 June 1999, at 0830Z, a Piper PA23-250 aircraft, registration ZS-JXL, experienced a landing gear collapse while taxiing at Port Alfred Aerodrome. The aircraft was on a private flight from Port Alfred to Fort Beaufort, with only the pilot on board. No injuries or fatalities occurred.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The pilot held a private pilot license with a total flying experience of 589 hours, including 384 hours on type. The license was valid. The aircraft was operated under private category.
Sequence of Events
The pilot had taken delivery of the aircraft at Fort Beaufort after the engines had undergone a top overhaul, the aircraft was re-sprayed, and a Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI) was completed. The pilot flew an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) to Port Alfred, then taxied back to the runway for the return flight to Fort Beaufort. En route to the holding point, the left main landing gear collapsed.
The pilot stated that he did not touch the gear selector lever while on the ground. The gear unsafe warning did not sound, and no indication of unsafe landing gear was present. The taxiway was dry, and the aircraft was moving very slowly at the time of the collapse. The aircraft did not leave the taxiway before, during, or after the incident.
Damage
The aircraft sustained minor damage to the left undercarriage, the left propeller, and the rear section of the left engine nacelle.
Meteorological Conditions
Fine weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the left main landing gear drag-link bolt was broken, which caused the left main landing gear to collapse.