On August 1, 2002, a Piper PA-32R-301 (registration N957T) was involved in an aviation accident near Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Pilot in command failed to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll that resulted in a ground loop and the overload failure of the right main landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing rollout, a private pilot's airplane veered left, and despite corrective rudder input, the right main landing gear collapsed, causing a 180-degree spin and wing damage.
Accident Sequence
According to the pilot, during the landing rollout, the airplane began to veer left as braking was applied. The pilot added right rudder to correct the veer, but the airplane continued turning left. The right main landing gear then collapsed, and the airplane spun approximately 180 degrees before coming to rest on the runway surface.
Aircraft Damage
Post-accident examination revealed significant side loading on the landing gear. Both the left and right main landing gear had collapsed to the left. The right wing sustained damage as a result of the landing gear collapse. Several tire marks were observed on the runway, ending at the point where the airplane came to rest.
The pilot reported no mechanical issues with the airplane before or during the accident sequence.
