What happened
The pilot reported conducting local flying operations for approximately one hour following departure from a private grass strip. The flight concluded with an approach and landing at Morganton-Lenoir Airport. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced. The pilot attempted to recover but was unable to prevent the left main gear from collapsing. Consequently, the left wing dragged along the runway surface.
During post-accident statements, the pilot indicated that he missed the left wheel brake pedal while attempting to correct a rightward swerve during the recovery attempt.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the landing gear and the pilot's account of the landing dynamics. The primary finding was the collapse of the left main gear following the bounce and subsequent drag of the left wing structure.
Findings
The sequence of events involved a bounced landing that exceeded the structural limits of the landing gear system. Contributing factors included the inability to recover from the bounce and the subsequent loss of directional control, which led to the gear failure and wing damage.