What happened
Following the completion of the landing roll, the pilot maneuvered the aircraft for a turnaround and began taxiing toward the ramp area. As the aircraft exited the runway surface, the left main landing gear failed structurally. The collapse resulted in the left wing and the left horizontal stabilizer making contact with the ground.
The investigation
A postaccident examination of the wreckage focused on the integrity of the landing gear system. Inspectors determined that the left landing gear bellcrank assembly had experienced a stress overload. This overload caused the assembly to fracture, which in turn sheared both bolts securing the assembly. Additionally, the gear retract arm was found to be broken.
Findings
The mechanical failure of the left landing gear was the primary event leading to the ground impact. The structural integrity of the bellcrank assembly was compromised by excessive stress, resulting in the complete separation of its bolts and the subsequent collapse of the gear strut. This failure mode directly led to the substantial damage sustained by the left wing and horizontal stabilizer.
Safety message
Regular inspection of landing gear components for signs of fatigue or stress overload is critical to preventing in-flight or ground failures.