Landing Attempt
A pilot reported making a full stop landing on a 2,300-foot grass airstrip. The aircraft touched down at an indicated airspeed of about 70 mph. According to the pilot, the landing was intended to be a full stop.
Post-Accident Inspection
Examination of the accident site and aircraft revealed that the initial touchdown occurred slightly right of the centerline, approximately 1,000 feet from the approach end of runway 36. The ground track showed that after touchdown, the aircraft veered left, heading directly toward a tree. About 400 to 450 feet after touchdown, the left flap made contact with the grass surface. A gouge measuring 250 to 300 feet in length was cut into the turf by the inboard section of the left flap. The left wing subsequently struck a tree at its mid-section. The impact sheared off the nose gear.
Landing Gear Examination
Investigators found that the flaps were in the up position. The left and right main landing gear were up and not extended, although the gear handle was in the down position. When the aircraft was lifted, the landing gear extended and locked into place. A subsequent inspection of the left and right main landing gear revealed no mechanical discrepancies.