Incident Overview
A pilot experienced a landing gear collapse after his aircraft veered off the runway during the landing roll. The incident occurred when the nosewheel touched down on runway 21, causing the aircraft to turn left. Despite applying full right rudder and brake, the pilot was unable to correct the deviation, and the aircraft exited the runway.
Preflight Inspection
Before departure, the pilot completed a preflight inspection and noticed that the right main landing gear strut was flat. A mechanic subsequently inflated the strut, after which the pilot proceeded with the takeoff.
Landing and Ground Loop
During the landing roll, as the nosewheel contacted the runway surface, the aircraft began to veer to the left. The pilot attempted to counter this by applying maximum right rudder and brake inputs. However, the aircraft continued its leftward movement, departing the runway surface. The forces generated during the subsequent ground loop caused the main landing gear to collapse. The pilot reported that no mechanical malfunction occurred and that the gear collapse resulted solely from side loads during the ground loop.
Wind Conditions
The pilot indicated that the wind was from 240 degrees at 18 knots at the time of the landing.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the aircraft revealed no evidence of any preimpact anomaly or mechanical failure.