What happened
The pilot initiated a ground maneuver by taxiing southeast along runway 12L. Upon reaching the appropriate point, the aircraft executed a turn to align with runway 34, directing its path northwest. During this transition, the left main landing gear departed the paved surface and descended into a depression within the sod adjacent to the runway edge.
The geometry of the maneuver presented a significant constraint. Runway 12L offered a width of only 50 feet, whereas runway 34 provided a wider 100-foot surface. The tight nature of the turn on the narrower strip likely contributed to the gear leaving the designated pavement area.
The investigation
Post-accident examination revealed substantial damage to the airframe's lower structure. The left main landing gear assembly was compromised, and the left wing sustained impact damage consistent with the gear collapsing into the ground depression.