Incident Overview
During a final approach, the pilot encountered winds that had not been forecast. The aircraft touched down short of the runway threshold, causing one of the main landing gear to shear off. During the subsequent landing roll, the remaining main landing gear collapsed. The airplane then skidded approximately 2,600 feet on its belly, coming to rest on the right side of the runway.
Location and Environmental Factors
The airport is situated in mountainous terrain. According to the Airman's Information Manual (AIM), such locations are designated as areas where pilots may encounter abrupt changes in wind direction and velocity. The AIM specifically warns that severe updrafts and downdrafts are common, particularly near or above abrupt terrain features such as cliffs or rugged areas. These unforecast wind conditions are consistent with the environmental warnings provided in the manual.
Aircraft Damage
The incident resulted in the shearing of one main landing gear and the collapse of the other. The aircraft sustained damage from the belly skid along the 2,600-foot path on the runway surface.