Cessna 310, VH-JNZ, Orange, New South Wales, on 17 April 1990

Circumstances:

The pilot reported that following a normal landing, as the aircraft turned left onto the taxiway, the right main landing gear collapsed. Subsequent inspection revealed the right main down lock bell crank pivot bolt had failed in shear, and the forward pivot lug had failed in bending overload. This is consistent with what would be likely to result from excessive down lock tension. After repairs had been effected, an engineering report determined that the down lock tension was significantly higher than specification. However, the engineering report was not conclusive as the original components could not be used for testing.

Significant Factors:

The following factor was considered relevant to the development of the accident:

1. Probable misrigging of the right main gear down lock. This accident was not the subject of an on-scene investigation.