MD-11
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged
Aircraft
Aircraft had 3 days remaining on its Cat 3 Status. [We] decided to perform a monitored CAT 1 ILS autoland [approach] to update the Cat 3 currency. Weather was BKN 040 10 SM 150/15 RA. It had just begun raining and runway was damp; but braking action was good. The landing gross weight was 388;000 LBS; configuration was 35/EXT; medium autobrakes; and HUD/EFVS was used. Stable approach flown to a DUAL LAND autoland all normal until nose-wheel touchdown. The plane landed slightly right of centerline with no crab and a nice touchdown (ACARS closeout had 1.2 g and 5.8 pitch). Upon nose-wheel touchdown the autopilot made a moderately aggressive correction to centerline. As the airplane corrected left to centerline; a shuddering occurred. I clicked off the autopilot and simultaneously got an aural Landing Gear alert with the associated level 1 CTR GEAR MALF alert. I slowed the airplane to a complete stop on the runway. During that time there was no adverse handling characteristics after that initial shaking. The configuration page showed all brake temperature and tire pressures in the normal range; and a red unsafe gear indication for the center gear. After taxing clear of the runway; we received a Level 2 HYD 3 FAIL alert. I stopped the aircraft and ran the associated QRH checklist. The plane taxied normally when clearing the runway; so I decided to taxi straight ahead and because of the limitation to making right turns; have maintenance tug us in the parking spot. When Maintenance attached the tug and inspected the center gear; they notified us that there was extensive damage to the center gear. The First Officer notified ground control to perform a FOD check of the runway and taxiway. Normal shutdown sequence. From the look of the Center Gear after shutdown; I can only surmise that the center gear strut failed due to fatigue.
During landing a rollout; the flight crew noticed a shudder followed by a center landing gear warning. When they arrived in the gate area; Maintenance identified damage to the center landing gear.