What happened
The aircraft was conducting a routine landing operation at Calexico Airport. Upon touchdown on runway 08, the pilot reported that the airplane immediately began to veer toward the right side of the runway. In an effort to maintain alignment with the centerline, the pilot applied left rudder input to counteract the drift.
However, the aircraft's directional stability was compromised. Following the initial rightward swerve, the nose swung sharply to the left. The pilot attempted to correct this new deviation but was unable to arrest the turn. Consequently, the airplane executed a ground loop, during which the right main landing gear collapsed under the stress of the uncontrolled rotation.
The investigation
Examination of the accident site and the aircraft revealed significant structural damage consistent with a high-energy ground loop event. The primary mechanical failure observed was the collapse of the right main landing gear assembly. No other pre-impact mechanical anomalies were identified that would have contributed to the loss of directional control.