Overview
A pilot was conducting wheel landing practice in preparation for a check ride. The touchdown was reported as normal, but shortly after landing on runway 05, the airplane swerved to the left. The pilot applied power and rudder inputs in an attempt to correct the swerve, but was unable to regain control before the airplane departed the runway onto an adjacent paved surface. Immediately after exiting the runway, the airplane "snapped" to the right.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the right main landing gear and hydrasorb assembly revealed that one of the ears on the lower fitting assembly, which is used to support the shock cord, had fractured and separated from the main strut assembly. The lower strut fitting had been welded to the strut assembly. The assembly consists of a lower strut fitting, an upper strut fitting, and the hydrasorb unit. The lower strut fitting rests on the end of the hydrasorb and is held in place by the shock cord.
Weather Conditions
A METAR observation from 1656 Shelton reported wind from 260 degrees at 12 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, and clear skies.