Incident Details
The right main landing gear collapsed during the landing rollout at a private dirt glider airstrip. The pilot reported that he executed a three-point landing following a glider tow. The airplane bounced slightly upon touchdown. On the second ground contact, the pilot heard a snapping sound, and the right main landing gear then collapsed. The airplane subsequently dropped onto its right wing and spun around in the dirt.
Examination Findings
An FAA airworthiness inspector examined both the airplane and the runway. The inspector observed two touchdown markings on the dirt runway, approximately 12 feet apart, which were not heavily impressed. About 20 feet beyond the second touchdown point, drag markings consistent with a separated main landing gear were present. The right main landing gear strut had separated near the fuselage via a transverse fracture. A majority of the fracture face appeared dirty and rusty, while the remaining portion exhibited a pattern of beach markings and a chevron-like pattern near the edge opposite the discolored area.
Aircraft Usage
According to the operator, the airplane had been used exclusively for glider tow operations, accumulating over 4,000 flight hours. The operator and the FAA inspector estimated that the total number of landing cycles for the part was between 15,000 and 16,000.