Accident Overview
During the landing roll, the airplane veered off the left side of the runway, causing the nose gear to collapse and resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.
Witness Observation
A witness who observed the airplane on final approach reported that the nose wheel was canted to the left approximately 60 degrees.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported having difficulty with directional control during taxi prior to takeoff. The pilot stated that the turning limits of the nose wheel had been exceeded during ground handling operations.
Post-Accident Inspection
Following the accident, inspection of the nose gear assembly revealed a broken steering link. Additionally, a cracked gear strut housing was found at the nose gear steering travel stop.
Sequence of Events
The airplane experienced directional control issues during taxi before takeoff, attributed to exceeded turning limits of the nose wheel. On final approach, the nose wheel was observed canted left. During the landing roll, the airplane veered off the left side of the runway, and the nose gear subsequently collapsed. The damage to the aircraft was substantial.