Landing gear collapse during landing

Casualties unknown • Friday Harbor, WA, US

A pilot experienced a wingtip strike and right gear collapse after the left wing lifted during the landing roll of a tailwheel-configured aircraft.

What happened

The pilot was operating an aircraft that had been converted to a tailwheel landing gear configuration. During the landing phase, the pilot touched down level with no bounce at an estimated speed of 65 MPH.

Approximately 100 feet down the runway, the left wing began to lift. In an attempt to maintain control, the pilot applied full left aileron, right rudder, and braking. Despite these inputs, the aircraft veered to the left, resulting in the collapse of the right landing gear and the wingtip making contact with the ground.

The pilot was not injured in the accident. The pilot's flight experience included 146 total hours, with 61 hours in this specific make and model, and 85.7 total hours as pilot-in-command.

Probable cause

The loss of directional control during the landing roll which led to the right gear collapsing and the wingtip striking the ground.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-07-14 Piper PA-22-160 accident near Friday Harbor, WA?

A pilot experienced a wingtip strike and right gear collapse after the left wing lifted during the landing roll of a tailwheel-configured aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-07-14 involved a Piper PA-22-160, registration N8158D, at Friday Harbor, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of directional control during the landing roll which led to the right gear collapsing and the wingtip striking the ground.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010718X01451. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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