What happened
During the landing phase on runway 5, the tailwheel aircraft experienced a directional control issue that resulted in structural damage. The local air traffic controller observed the aircraft swerve sharply to the right as it touched down. Despite the wind conditions being relatively light at 6 knots from 110 degrees, the pilot reported experiencing a flat tire during the maneuver.
The investigation
Following the incident, an FAA mechanic conducted a thorough inspection of the left landing gear assembly. The examination focused on determining whether mechanical issues contributed to the collapse. The inspector found no evidence to indicate any pre-impact failure within the gear mechanism itself.
Findings
The primary factors identified were the left landing gear collapse and the directional instability during touchdown. The pilot's report of a flat tire suggests a potential issue with tire integrity prior to or during impact, though the gear structure itself showed no signs of prior mechanical defect. The tailwheel aircraft remained under control until the swerve occurred.
Safety message
Pilots operating tailwheel-equipped aircraft should remain vigilant for tire failures that can compromise directional control during landing rolls, particularly when crosswind components are present.