CESSNA 310N near Liberty, NC — 2014-12-28

Probable cause

The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and collapse of the left main landing gear.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that while landing at night in visual meteorological conditions, the airplane landed hard and the left main landing gear collapsed, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. In an interview with the Federal Aviation Administration, the pilot stated he was accustomed to approaches with instrument and visual glidepath guidance. According to the airport/facilities directory entry for the accident airport, a note advised pilots that the size, spacing, and number of runway edge and end lights were not standard.

NTSB coding

• Abnormal runway contact · Landing-flare/touchdown

Evidence available

• Photos
• 4 docket documents

Docket documents4

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• FAA Inspector’s Statementinterview
• Photo 1 - Buckled Fuselage (Photo Courtesy of FAA)photos
• Photo 2 - Buckled Right Wing and Fuselage at Wing Root (Photo Courtesy of FAA)photos

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