Incident Details
A commercial pilot was conducting touch-and-go landing practice during a local flight. On the last landing of the session, the pilot reached down to retract the landing flaps and inadvertently opened the cowl flaps. Shortly after, the pilot noticed that the aircraft was turning to the right.
Sequence of Events
The pilot attempted to correct the right turn by applying left rudder and braking, but these inputs did not stop the deviation. The aircraft continued to veer right and departed the right side of the runway. It subsequently entered soft, uneven terrain.
Outcome
Upon entering the soft terrain, the left main landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to nose down. The investigation did not determine a probable cause for the accident.