Airframe event involving a Piper PA-30, VH-RBT, Coffs Harbour Aerodrome, New South Wales, on 14 September 1996

After departure, the pilot reported that the landing gear did not retract normally and requested a low-level flypast for a visual inspection. Inspection from the ground revealed that the right main wheel was turned through 90 degrees. Emergency services were requested and when they were in position the pilot elected to land on the grass strip with the landing gear retracted. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the subsequent landing but neither of the occupants were injured.

A subsequent inspection of the aircraft revealed that the right main landing gear torque link bolt had failed, and the torque links had separated. This allowed the main wheel assembly to rotate away from its normal position. The aircraft's maintenance records indicated that maintenance had recently been carried out on the right landing gear. The accident flight was the second flight following completion of that maintenance.