ATL94LA016

The pilot reported to air traffic control that he had a landing gear indication problem. After touchdown, the aircraft departed the runway. Examination of the aircraft following the accident revealed that the right main landing gear did not extend. The pilot/owner had locked the aircraft, and a functional check of the landing gear system could not be performed.

On November 12, 1993, at 2211 eastern standard time, a Cessna 310C, N1738H, was substantially damaged during landing at the Charleston International Airport in Charleston, South Carolina. There were no injuries. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight. The flight originated in Charleston at an undetermined time.

Reportedly, the pilot requested assistance from air traffic control following a landing gear indication problem. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 15. After touchdown, the landing gear collapsed, and the aircraft departed the runway surface. An initial inspection of the aircraft after the accident revealed structural damage to the airframe.

An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration examined the aircraft following the accident. The left, main landing gear was found separated from the airframe,and broken at the strut tube. The nose gear was extended, and folded over toward the left wing. The right main landing gear was still inside the gear well. The inspector reported that the pilot had locked the aircraft prior to departing the site where the aircraft was stored, and the pilot could not be located, therefore a functional inspection of the landing gear system was not possible.

An NTSB Form 6120.1/2, Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, was mailed to the pilot on two occasions following the accident. On both occasions, the forms were returned to sender as unclaimed mail.