What happened
The pilot reported that the aircraft veered approximately 180 degrees during the final approach phase. The intended destination was Runway 30; however, this runway was closed for resurfacing operations. To mark the closure, X-shaped markers had been displaced 50 feet from the centerline of the runway.
As the aircraft attempted to land, it left the paved surface and dropped off the edge of the runway. The impact with a depression caused the left landing gear to collapse upon striking the ground. The left wing also struck the terrain during this sequence of events.
The investigation
Examination of the accident site confirmed that the aircraft had departed the active pavement area. The physical evidence indicated that the left landing gear failed structurally after dropping off the edge of the closed runway. The displacement of the closure markers was noted as a factor in the pilot's approach path.
Findings
Contributing factors included the pilot's decision to attempt a landing on a runway known to be closed for construction. The misalignment of the closure markers may have contributed to the confusion regarding the available landing surface. The structural failure of the left gear was a direct result of the off-pavement impact.