Accident Sequence
After departure, the left main landing gear did not fully retract. In an effort to prepare for landing, both the pilot and a pilot-rated passenger tried to extend all three landing gear, but these attempts failed. During the landing roll-out, the gear collapsed, and the aircraft veered off the right side of the runway.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the accident, an examination of the landing gear was conducted. The left and right main landing gear retraction linkages were found broken at the point each attached to the gear. No other evidence of failure or malfunction was noted in the main landing gear linkages and transmission. The broken linkages were the only damage noted in the main landing gear system.
Pilot Background
This was the pilot's first flight in this make and model of aircraft.