Flight and Navigation Issues
The pilot departed on a flight from Olive Branch, Mississippi, to Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. While en route, he became disoriented and landed at Lafayette, Tennessee. From there, he proceeded to Lawrenceburg via Lebanon, Tennessee. After departing Lebanon, he became disoriented again. Reportedly, he got off course when his right fuel tank would not feed properly. He became concerned that he might run out of fuel before locating his position.
Landing at Hohenwald
When the pilot saw the airport at Hohenwald, he decided to land. His first approach was to runway 02 with a crosswind over tall trees. He was too high and fast, so he performed a go-around to land on runway 20. Runway 20 had a 3% downhill gradient and wires near the approach end.
Landing Incident and Findings
The pilot stated that he landed about 1,700 to 1,800 feet down the 3,000-foot runway. During the landing sequence, the nose gear collapsed approximately 2,200 feet from the approach end, and the airplane continued off the runway. Investigation revealed that the left main gear had penetrated upward through the left wing during the landing.