What happened
The incident occurred during the landing phase of flight. According to the student pilot's account, the aircraft was on final approach and commenced the landing roll. During this critical phase, the right wing and the associated right main landing gear assembly suddenly raised upward. This unexpected movement caused the airplane to bank sharply to the right.
In response to the sudden attitude change, the pilot applied right aileron control in an attempt to correct the bank angle and maintain directional control. Despite these corrective efforts, the aircraft's trajectory deviated significantly from the runway centerline. When the right main landing gear eventually made contact with the ground, the airplane was positioned approximately 45 degrees off of the intended runway heading.
Recognizing the loss of directional control, the pilot applied heavy braking to slow the aircraft. However, the combination of the severe bank angle and reduced traction prevented effective stopping. The airplane continued its path off the paved surface and collided with a nearby ditch, bringing the flight to an abrupt end.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical integrity of the landing gear system and the pilot's handling of the emergency. Examination revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical failure that would explain the sudden raising of the right main landing gear. The structural components appeared intact prior to the collision with the ditch.
The primary finding centered on the aerodynamic forces acting on the aircraft during the landing roll. The sudden lift generated by the right wing likely resulted from a combination of factors, including possible asymmetric drag or control surface deflection, though the exact trigger was not definitively isolated. The pilot's application of heavy braking while in a 45-degree bank angle contributed to the loss of directional control and subsequent departure from the runway.
Findings
Several critical factors contributed to the outcome of this event. The sudden raising of the right wing and landing gear created an immediate loss of lateral stability. The pilot's corrective input, while appropriate in intent, was insufficient to counteract the severe bank angle induced by the gear movement. The 45-degree deviation from the runway heading meant that the aircraft was no longer aligned with the available stopping distance.
The application of heavy braking on a surface that was already compromised by the bank angle reduced the effectiveness of the braking system. This loss of traction, combined with the continued momentum of the aircraft, resulted in the departure from the runway environment. The collision with the ditch was a direct consequence of the inability to maintain directional control during the landing roll.