What happened
The pilot initiated a final approach to runway 18 under reported wind conditions. The pilot indicated that the wind was coming from the west with speeds ranging between 15 and 20 knots. Data from a reporting station located eight miles from the airport confirmed these conditions, recording a wind direction of 270 degrees at 17 knots.
During the landing rollout, the aircraft began to drift toward the left side of the runway. In an effort to maintain alignment with the centerline, the pilot applied right rudder input. Despite this correction, the aircraft executed a ground loop to the right. The force of the maneuver resulted in the collapse of the left main landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the landing rollout and the structural integrity of the landing gear following the impact. Examination confirmed that the left main landing gear collapsed as a direct result of the ground loop dynamics.