Overview
An aircraft veered right of the runway centerline during landing, leading to a collapse of all three landing gear in the soft dirt and gravel. The event was investigated, but the exact cause of the directional control loss could not be established.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the autopilot was disengaged on final approach at a distance of three miles from the runway. Upon disengagement, the aircraft yawed to the right. The pilot applied power and rudder inputs to maintain control. At touchdown, power was reduced, and shortly thereafter the aircraft began drifting to the right despite the application of left rudder and left brake.
The first evidence of landing gear tire marks was found approximately 4,000 feet down the runway, to the right of the centerline. The tire marks continued until the aircraft rolled off the right side of the runway. After departing the paved surface, all three landing gear collapsed in the soft dirt and gravel.
Examination
A thorough examination of the wreckage was conducted. The autopilot system, wheel brakes, flight controls, and trim systems were inspected. No mechanical malfunctions or anomalies were found in any of these systems.
Findings
The investigation determined that the cause of the directional control loss was not determined. Despite a detailed examination of the aircraft systems, no contributing factors could be identified. The landing gear collapse was a secondary consequence of the aircraft leaving the runway surface.