Incident Overview
A pilot landing at Detroit Metropolitan Airport experienced an incident during taxi when the aircraft's left main gear was torn off after encountering an unmarked trench. The event occurred following instructions from the tower to proceed to Butler Aviation.
Sequence of Events
After landing, the pilot was instructed by the tower to make a right turn onto Runway 3C or Taxiway J and taxi to Butler Aviation. The pilot subsequently turned onto what he believed was Taxiway J; however, the area was actually a paved area between taxiways. Upon realizing the error, the pilot informed the tower and was instructed to taxi straight ahead if possible, with the assurance that doing so would lead back onto the taxiway. As the aircraft moved forward, the left main gear encountered an unmarked trench measuring approximately 1 foot wide, 15 feet long, and about 4 inches deep. The impact tore off the left main gear.
Aftermath
The aircraft came to a stop, and the incident was reported. No further details are available from the source regarding subsequent actions or outcomes.