What happened
The accident occurred during the landing phase of flight at a private grass airstrip. The aircraft involved was a student pilot-operated airplane that experienced a loss of control while rolling out on the ground. According to statements provided by the pilot to an FAA inspector, the approach speed during the final segment of the landing was excessive, described as 'too hot.'
As the aircraft touched down and began the landing roll, the pilot attempted to slow the airplane using the brakes. During this deceleration phase, the pilot executed a turn while simultaneously applying heavy braking pressure. This combination of inputs resulted in the collapse of the right main landing gear. The aircraft subsequently overran the available runway surface.
The investigation
Post-acc examination revealed that the primary mechanical failure was limited to the right main landing gear assembly. The structural integrity of the gear was compromised due to the forces generated during the high-speed turn and heavy braking application on the soft grass surface. No other significant pre-existing mechanical anomalies were identified that would have contributed to the loss of control.
Findings
The investigation determined that several factors contributed to the accident sequence:
- The pilot's decision to maintain an excessive airspeed during the final approach,
- The application of excessive braking force while the aircraft was in a turning configuration,
- The resulting collapse of the right main landing gear due to lateral and vertical loads exceeding design limits.
The pilot's own admission regarding the high approach speed and the subsequent handling errors during the rollout were critical elements in the chain of events leading to the accident. The soft grass surface likely exacerbated the braking effectiveness issues, but the primary cause was the pilot's control inputs.
Safety message
Pilots must ensure that landing approaches are stabilized at the correct target airspeed. Excessive speed reduces the margin for error during rollout and increases the risk of losing directional control, particularly on unpaved surfaces. Braking should be applied smoothly and primarily in a straight line; turning while braking heavily can overload landing gear components and lead to structural failure.