What happened
On 12 June 2002, a Cessna 310L, registration ZS-ETU, was conducting a training flight in the vicinity of Nelspruit. After touching down on Runway 22 at Nelspruit Aerodrome, the pilot began the landing roll. As the aircraft's speed decreased to approximately 30 knots, the left-hand landing gear suddenly collapsed. This mechanical failure caused the aircraft to veer toward the left, eventually coming to a stop near the intersection of the right-hand taxiway.
There were no fatalities and no injuries reported following the incident.
The investigation
Investigators examined the mechanical state of the aircraft's landing gear assembly. The inquiry focused on the functionality of the retraction and extension system. The investigation established that the left-hand main landing gear failed to remain in a secure, down-and-locked position during the deceleration phase of the landing.
Findings
Technical analysis revealed that the improper rigging of the landing gear retraction/extension system was the primary factor in the accident. Because the system was not correctly rigged, the left-hand gear leg was not driven into the necessary over-centre down and locked position. This lack of proper mechanical alignment meant the gear was vulnerable to collapsing under the forces encountered during the landing roll.