Left main landing gear collapse during groundloop

Casualties unknown • Three Forks, MT, US

An aircraft experienced a left main gear collapse following a groundloop after the pilot lost directional control during the landing roll.

What happened

The pilot executed a stall landing, touching down on the main gear of the aircraft before lowering the tailwheel to the runway surface after traveling approximately 50 to 100 feet.

Once the tailwheel made contact with the runway, the pilot reported a sensation similar to having slight left brake applied, causing the aircraft to drift toward the left. Although the pilot applied right rudder, the aircraft continued its leftward drift. In an attempt to correct the aircraft's position and return to the center of the runway, the airplane groundlooped to the right. This maneuver resulted in a collapsed left main landing gear.

The investigation

A post-accident inspection was conducted on the aircraft's systems. The investigation revealed no malfunctions or anomalies within the brake system or the directional control systems.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the landing roll.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-03-16 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Three Forks, MT?

An aircraft experienced a left main gear collapse following a groundloop after the pilot lost directional control during the landing roll.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-03-16 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N2873Z, at Three Forks, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the landing roll.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20739. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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