The pilot told investigators that the Cessna 340A touched down on the left and right main landing gear wheels at the airport in New Orleans.
A few seconds later, he felt that something failed on the left main landing gear and the left wing began to drop to the runway. The left wing contacted the runway, and the pilot attempted to maintain directional control.
The airplane exited the runway surface, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing, left aileron, and horizontal stabilizer.
Maintenance records revealed the main landing gear was overhauled about two months prior to the accident.
The pilot told investigators he had completed about 10 takeoffs and landings during those two months.
Post-accident examination revealed the main landing gear system was improperly rigged and the hardware was improperly installed, which resulted in the overstress failure of the left main landing gear system.
Probable Cause: The improper maintenance of the main landing gear, which resulted in a collapse and overstress failure of the left main landing gear during landing.
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This December 2023 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
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