Incident Overview
During a landing approach, the pilot of an airplane entered the traffic pattern for runway 29. The tower controller then requested a change to land on runway 16. The pilot complied and subsequently reported that the approach and landing were normal. However, after touchdown, a wind gust caused the airplane to balloon a few feet into the air. When the airplane touched down again, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane veered off the right side of the runway.
Witness Account
A witness on the ground observed the landing sequence. Prior to the bounce, the landing gear appeared to be extended and down. After the bounce, the witness noted that the left main landing gear was in a trailing position, indicating it had collapsed.
Post-Accident Inspection
Following the incident, a functional test of the landing gear system was conducted. No mechanical malfunctions or anomalies were found. The system operated as designed, suggesting that the collapse was not due to a pre-existing mechanical failure.