NTSB Factual Report

On April 2, 2006, at 2016 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 310N, N5096Q, experienced a nose landing gear collapse during the landing roll at Lincoln Regional Airport, Lincoln, California. The student pilot operated the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot and passenger were not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated at Sacramento International Airport, Sacramento, California, at 1845.

The pilot stated in the Pilot/Operator report that while transitioning from landing to taxing he experienced a bumping sound, which was followed by the collapse of the nose gear. Examination of photographs of the damage revealed that several inches of the nose fuselage structure had been ground down by contact with the runway pavement. The National Transportation Safety Board investigator had the nose gear examined by an airframe and power plant (A&P) mechanic. The mechanic reported that the nose gear drive tube was bent inboard 90 degrees, suggesting that the nose over center adjustment was out of tolerance, and a sufficient impact could cause the gear to unlock from the down position. There was no evidence of mechanical failure or foreign object damage. The pilot reported that the last annual inspection occurred in May 2005.

NTSB Probable Cause

The collapse of the nose gear due to an out of tolerance nose gear over center adjustment.