Investigation number
198602346
Occurrence date
Location
Bankstown
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Wheels up landing
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

The purpose of the flight was to deliver the aircraft to its new owner. The aircraft had been imported from Papua New Guinea in December 1985 and had flown only a limited amount since that time. The pilot carried out three circuits prior to departure, and made a successful landing enroute for refuelling. However, on touchdown at Bankstown following a normal approach, the nosegear collapsed. Initial investigation revealed that the nosegear downlock had not completed its travel to the overcentre position. In addition, the microswitch was incorrectly adjusted, giving a down and locked indication before the lock was fully engaged. The nosegear had collapsed because of faulty rigging of the gear, which prevented it from completing the full extension cycle. The applied loads had been held by the actuating rods and bellcranks until a bellcrank rod end had failed in overload.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Cessna Aircraft Company
Model
310
Registration
VH-TTM
Operation type
Private
Departure point
Griffith NSW
Departure time
1630 approx
Destination
Bankstown NSW
Damage
Substantial