On July 6, 1995, a Beech 76 (registration N60078) was involved in an aviation accident near Wheeling, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the dual student's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, and the CFI's inadequate supervision of the flight. A factor associated with the accident was the gusty crosswind condition. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a landing on Runway 16 with gusty crosswinds, the left main landing gear collapsed, causing the airplane to veer left and strike a runway light. Witnesses reported a high and fast approach with a hard bounce. Inspection revealed overload failure of the gear.
Incident Details
The pilots reported that the left main landing gear collapsed upon touchdown. The airplane subsequently veered to the left side of the runway, where it contacted a runway light. The landing was being made on Runway 16 with winds from 250 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 25 knots.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses stated that the airplane was too high and fast during the landing approach. They reported that the airplane landed hard and bounced prior to veering off the left side of the runway.
Investigation Findings
Inspection of the landing gear revealed an overload failure. The collapse of the left main gear caused the aircraft to depart the runway surface and strike the runway light. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, or occupant status were provided in the source.