On March 6, 1987, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N5553P) was involved in an aviation accident near Kimball, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a collision with a snow bank and subsequent collapse of the left main landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A light aircraft veered left upon landing on runway 10 due to a crosswind, striking a snow bank and causing the left main landing gear to collapse.
What happened
The pilot in command reported attempting to land on runway 10 under conditions with a wind from 080 degrees at 7 knots. Upon touchdown, the aircraft began to veer toward the left side of the runway. The plane continued its trajectory until it ran into a snow bank that bordered the edge of the pavement.
The impact caused the left main landing gear to collapse. Following this structural failure, the aircraft spun approximately 180 degrees and came to a stop with its tail facing forward.
The investigation
An inspection of the landing gear assembly was conducted following the incident. Investigators noted an overload of the gear locking mechanism, indicating that the component failed under excessive stress during the event.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a collision with a snow bank and subsequent collapse of the left main landing gear.
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