On February 5, 1986, a Cessna 340R (registration N3849G) was involved in an aviation accident near Galesburg, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain proper alignment with the runway during a side-step approach, which resulted in a hard landing and collapse of the landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot diverting to Galesburg due to weather spotted the runway late during an ILS approach, side-stepped right, and touched down in a crabbed angle before attempting a go-around with collapsed gear.
What happened
The pilot was operating a flight that had been diverted to Galesburg Municipal Airport due to adverse weather conditions at the original destination. Following an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach, the pilot reported spotting the runway at approximately 200 feet above ground level, positioned significantly to the right of the aircraft's centerline.
In response, the pilot executed a side-step maneuver to align with the runway. However, this adjustment resulted in the aircraft touching down while still in a crabbed angle. Immediately after touchdown, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure by applying power. At this moment, the aircraft was settling toward the runway surface because the landing gear had already collapsed.
The investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) examined the circumstances surrounding the approach and landing. The investigation focused on the sequence of events involving the side-step maneuver and the subsequent loss of structural integrity in the landing gear system during the critical phase of the go-around attempt.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain proper alignment with the runway during a side-step approach, which resulted in a hard landing and collapse of the landing gear.