Landing and Loss of Control
Upon touchdown on a gravel runway, the pilot-in-command began applying brakes. Shortly after, the airplane commenced veering to the left. The pilot released the brakes and attempted to correct using asymmetric power and braking, but the airplane continued left and departed the runway approximately midway down its length.
Post-Event Examination
Subsequent examination of the left main landing gear identified a failure in the scissors assembly. A small washer, which had been placed beneath the bolt head securing the upper and lower scissors components, had pulled through the assembly. This allowed the lower half of the main gear to pivot freely, compromising directional control.
The investigation did not specify the exact sequence of events leading to the washer pull-through, but the condition rendered the landing gear unable to maintain proper alignment during braking.
No other anomalies were reported in the aircraft's systems or the pilot's actions beyond the described attempts to regain control.