N340BK

On October 31, 2004, about 0830 central standard time, a Cessna 340A-Ram VI airplane, N340BK, registered to RAL Investments, Inc., and operated by a private individual, as a Title 14 CFR part 91 personal flight, had the left main landing gear collapse while the airplane was being taxied at Pensacola, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight plan was filed. The commercial-rated pilot and one passenger were not injured, and the airplane received substantial damage. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated that after having completed a thorough preflight inspection, as he was taxiing the airplane for takeoff, the left main landing gear collapsed. He stated that the airplane had crossed runway 17, and was at the intersection of taxiways Alpha and Bravo when the left main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane incurred damage to its left wing, and left horizontal stabilizer.

An FAA licensed mechanic conducted a postaccident examination of the aircraft, and later repaired the accident airplane. According to the mechanic, the landing gear mechanism had separated in the area where the actuating rod hooks to the landing gear trunion. He said that the fracture surfaces showed no sign of fatigue when examined under magnification, and that he also observed no anomalies with how the landing gear had been rigged or maintained.