Landing gear collapse following runway excursion at Frederick

Casualties unknown • Frederick, MD, US

A pilot experienced a landing gear collapse after an aircraft drifted off the runway during a landing rollout near Frederick.

What happened

Prior to departure, the pilot obtained a standard weather briefing and filed a flight plan. Approximately five minutes before takeoff, the pilot received a weather update from flight service noting that scattered thunderstorms in the Hagerstown area were moving east toward Frederick. Based on calculations suggesting arrival at the destination would occur before the storms reached the area, the pilot proceeded with the flight.

During the approach to the destination, the pilot observed very dark skies to the north and experienced increased turbulence. After checking weather conditions with Frederick UNICOM, which reported winds of 4 knots, the pilot expedited the turn from base to final to complete a normal landing.

As the aircraft rolled out after touchdown, it became airborne and began drifting to the right. The aircraft subsequently touched down again, exited the runway, and the landing gear collapsed upon striking a sign. The pilot shut off both magnetos, secured the throttle, and exited the airplane. The pilot indicated that a gust may have caused the loss of control.

Probable cause

The pilot encountered a gust that caused the aircraft to drift right during the landing rollout, leading to a runway excursion and subsequent gear collapse upon striking an object.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-08-01 Piper J3C-65 accident near Frederick, MD?

A pilot experienced a landing gear collapse after an aircraft drifted off the runway during a landing rollout near Frederick.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-08-01 involved a Piper J3C-65, registration N70894, at Frederick, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot encountered a gust that caused the aircraft to drift right during the landing rollout, leading to a runway excursion and subsequent gear collapse upon striking an object.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19622. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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