Piper PA-30-160 Right Main Gear Collapse at Grand Central Aerodrome (ZS-DVD)

Incident Overview and Flight Details On 28 August 2020 at 1300Z, a Piper Aircraft Corporation PA-30-160 with registration ZS-DVD experienced a right main gear collapse during the landing roll on Runway 35 at Grand Central Aerodrome (FAGC). The aircraft, which had departed from the same aerodrome at 1120Z, was conducting a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) test under Part 141 of the Civil Aviation Regulations. Two pilots were on board: a commercial pilot acting as the pilot flying (PF) and a Designated Flight Examiner (DFE). The flight was conducted under visual flight rules with a filed flight plan. ## Sequence of Events After 1 hour and 40 minutes airborne, the aircraft returned to FAGC for a full-stop landing. The wind was variable and gusting from the left, with surface winds recorded at 330° at 10-15 knots. The PF selected 15° of flap for the approach, which was stable with the landing gear down and locked. Upon touchdown on the centreline, the PF had to make several rudder inputs to counteract the crosswind. Approximately 300 metres after touchdown, the aircraft began to veer to the right. Despite the DFE instructing the PF to increase left rudder input, the right wing dropped toward the ground. The DFE then took control, requested the PF to apply the left brake, and deflected the left aileron fully to keep the wings level. The right wing tip tank contacted the runway surface, making it impossible to correct the aircraft's attitude. The DFE shut off both engines to prevent further damage. ## Damage and Investigation Findings The aircraft came to rest in a right-wing low position on the right edge of Runway 35. Substantial damage was sustained to the left wing, right-wing tip tank, right main gear, right aileron, and right flaps. The right wing outer section was damaged after colliding with a runway landing light, and the right-wing tip tank scraped along the runway and grass. Post-accident inspection revealed substantial bending of the right main gear push-pull rod, with lesser bending on the left main gear push-pull rod. The left main gear remained extended and did not collapse. The investigation attributed the gear collapse to lateral forces applied during the landing roll due to the crosswind condition. No injuries were reported, and aerodrome rescue and firefighting personnel responded to the scene to prevent a grass fire.