What happened
The pilot reported that he was conducting a low pass over a specific location to evaluate its suitability for a potential landing. During this maneuver, his attention was diverted away from flying as he attempted to adjust his seatback cushion. This distraction caused the right tire of the aircraft to inadvertently strike the ground.
The investigation
Following the impact, the right main landing gear separated from the airplane. The separation of the gear led directly to the airplane impacting the ground. No further mechanical failures were noted prior to the incident.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the pilot's loss of situational awareness due to a non-flying task. Adjusting the seat cushion during a critical phase of flight, specifically while flying low over terrain, diverted attention from aircraft control and altitude management. This resulted in the right tire contacting the ground, causing structural damage to the landing gear.
Safety message
Pilots must maintain full attention on flying the aircraft during all phases of flight, especially during low-level maneuvers. Adjusting seat positions or other comfort items should be completed only when the aircraft is in a stable cruise configuration and not during critical phases such as takeoff, approach, or low passes.