Event
During the takeoff roll on runway 17, an asphalt runway measuring 3,801 feet in length and 60 feet in width, the airplane unexpectedly "pulled" to the left and subsequently veered off the runway surface.
Examination
Post-event examination of the airplane disclosed that the left main landing gear had partially collapsed. Further inspection of the airframe revealed that the fuselage tubular structure failed in the vicinity of a previous weld repair. This repair was not documented in the aircraft's maintenance records. Additionally, the fracture surfaces exhibited evidence of corrosion.
Maintenance Records
The undocumented weld repair was absent from the maintenance records, indicating that the repair was not officially recorded as part of the aircraft's maintenance history. The presence of corrosion on the fracture surfaces suggests environmental exposure.
Findings
- The left main landing gear partially collapsed.
- The fuselage tubular structure failed near a prior weld repair.
- The weld repair was not documented in maintenance records.
- Corrosion was present on the fracture surfaces of the failed structure.