NTSB Factual Report

On January 6, 2017, about 1720 Pacific standard time, a twin-engine, turbine powered, Cessna 421C, N71RC, sustained substantial damage following the collapse of the right main landing gear during the landing roll at Westover Field/Amador County Airport, Jackson, California. The flight was being conducted as a personal cross country flight under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 when the accident occurred. The airline transport rated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was on file. The flight originated from the Palo Alto Airport, Palo Alto, California about 1640.

The pilot stated that he flew a normal left traffic pattern for runway 19. The flare and initial touchdown were normal, however immediately after the initial touchdown, something did not feel right. He attempted to lightly apply the brakes, and the airplane began to yaw from one side to the other. He released the brakes and attempted to slow the airplane with reverse thrust but the airplane exited the paved runway surface and came to a stop in the grass and dirt area about 20 feet off the right side of the runway.

Initial examination of the airplane revealed that the right main landing gear torque link separated at the hinge attach point. Further examination of the torque link assembly is pending recovery of the airplane.