Synopsis
On 7 September 2003, a Piper PA-30 twin-engine aircraft (registration ZS-SWI) was conducting a training flight at Lanseria Aerodrome. The instructor, who was pilot-in-command, reported that while on right-hand downwind for Runway 06L, he selected the landing gear down but the green indicator light did not illuminate. He recycled the gear and attempted emergency extension, but the gear did not lock. A tower observation confirmed the left main gear was only partially extended. The instructor executed a landing with both engines shut down and propellers feathered. Upon touchdown, the left main gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to ground loop approximately 60 degrees. The left wing sustained minor damage. There were no injuries among the three occupants (two crew plus one passenger).
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a Piper PA-30, had a mandatory periodic inspection (MPI) certified on 10 July 2003 at 6,360.00 airframe hours. It had flown 82.00 hours since that inspection. The instructor held a valid commercial pilot license with a Grade 2 Instructor Rating and a medical certificate valid until 28 February 2004. He was 21 years old with total flying experience of 1,277.30 hours, including 267.6 hours on the PA-30 type.
Accident Details
The weather at the time of the accident was fine with wind from 360 degrees at 8 knots and good visibility. The flight originated and was intended to return to Lanseria Aerodrome. The emergency landing was conducted on Runway 06L. After the gear collapse, the aircraft came to rest on the runway. No further damage was reported beyond the left wing.
Probable Cause
It appears that the left-hand main landing gear inner push-pull cable was not properly swaged at the rod-end fitting at the gearbox transmission below the cockpit floor. A contributory factor could also be that the push-pull cable became stiff with no lubrication and eventually caused the cable to pull free from the rod-end fitting.