PA-44 Seminole/Turbo Seminole
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 48.7; Flight Crew Total 178.1; Flight Crew Type 6
Other / Unknown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged
Aircraft; Human Factors; Weather
I recently began my private-multi training in the Piper Seminole PA-44-180. Myself and my instructor (right seat); were involved in an accident due to a failed right main landing gear. After completing our lesson; we returned to the airport for two successful touch and go's. During the third approach; we had established on the downwind for Runway 04 with gear down. Current wind conditions were 350 at 12 KTS; gusting 17 KTS; [and] a crosswind less than both my demonstrated ability as well as the aircraft limitations. Once established on final; I completed the final check to ensure landing gear was down; three green lights illuminated; and could verify with gear down in the mirror. Tower updated winds to 360 at 12 KTS; gusting 21 KTS; [and] a crosswind that was manageable and within mine and aircraft limits. Final approach speed was approximately 80 KTS to compensate for crosswinds and gust factor. Proper crabbing methods were used and with winds from the left side; I touched down with the left main wheel; then the right; followed by the nose wheel. Before I was able to lower flaps or add power for the touch and go; a loud noise was heard and the right main gear gave way. The aircraft was aggressively pulled to the right; despite full aileron and rudder to remain on centerline. In order to avoid the grass and risk digging the propeller into the ground; we tried to exit on the taxiway. My instructor managed to safely exit the active runway; stop the aircraft; secure the engines; and allow us to safely exit. Since the gear were verified in the down position numerous times before touchdown; and because we had completed two prior landings in the same crosswind manner; we believe the cause of the accident was due to a faulty right main landing gear. In the future; I truly do not know how this could have been prevented. A thorough pre-flight walk around was conducted and nothing faulty was noted with the landing gear. The gear was verified down in-flight; and functioned normally on prior landings.
PA-44 student pilot with instructor; experiences a right landing gear failure while landing with a left crosswind.