Accident Details
During the landing roll, approximately 100 to 200 feet down the runway, the nose of the aircraft suddenly dropped. The pilot applied back-pressure to the yoke, began braking, and intentionally steered towards the grass on the left side of the runway. As the aircraft moved onto the grass, the right main landing gear separated. The pilot stated that he might have used "too much left rudder." The right front seat passenger reported that during the rollout, the right wing tipped, and the pilot appeared "very busy with the yoke." The aircraft continued left towards the grass, began skidding sideways, and came to a sudden stop.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot had a total time in make and model of 7.2 hours at the time of the accident. The aircraft was a Cessna 177RG. The Cessna 177RG Owners Manual states: "When landing in a strong crosswind, use the minimum flap setting required for the field length."
Landing Conditions
The winds were reported as 070 at 9 knots. The pilot landed on runway 17L with full flaps deployed.
Post-Accident Inspection
An FAA inspector examined the wreckage. The break in the right landing gear was consistent with a ductile break, indicating a high stress fracture. The surface area of the break did not show any fatigue or markings associated with a fatigue fracture. A photograph taken after the accident shows the lower section of the right main landing gear missing, the nose gear bent towards the left, and runway markings consistent with the aircraft skidding sideways in a left direction on the left side of the runway center line.