Investigation number
199602910
Occurrence date
State
New South Wales
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence category
Accident

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.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Piper Aircraft Corp
Model
PA-30
Registration
VH-RBT
Sector
Piston
Departure point
Coffs Harbour NSW
Destination
South Grafton NSW
Damage
Substantial