Accident Overview
During a landing at a private airstrip, the left main landing gear of a 14 CFR Part 135 flight struck a dirt berm that had accumulated on the runway surface following recent dust storms. The berm, which was not removed prior to the landing, caused the airplane to veer off the hard surface of the runway.
Sequence of Events
The certificated airline transport pilot was conducting the landing with four passengers onboard. The airstrip measures 3,000 feet in length and 20 feet in width. As the airplane decelerated during the landing roll, the left main gear contacted a dirt berm that had been deposited on the runway. The impact caused the airplane to depart the paved surface.
Damage and Injuries
After leaving the runway, the left main gear encountered soft terrain, resulting in the gear being sheared off from the airframe. The airplane sustained substantial damage. No injuries were reported among the pilot or the four passengers.
Aircraft Specifications
The landing gear width of the airplane is 18 feet, which contributed to the gear's susceptibility to off-runway obstacles given the narrow runway width.