Nose Wheel Failure Leads to Runway Excursion and Right Main Gear Collapse (N6867P)

Event Description

The pilot reported making a normal landing. After the wheels had been on the ground for about 3 to 4 seconds, the airplane "jerked to the left and became airborne." The pilot added a little power "to keep the nose wheel from bouncing." When the airplane touched back down, the pilot reduced power and began applying "small amounts of right rudder, but the plane would not turn to the right. The plane kept turning to the left and I had no control over it." The airplane departed the left side of the runway. During the excursion, the right main landing gear collapsed. The right wing subsequently struck the ground and was dragged through the dirt, resulting in buckling of the right wing and firewall.

Aircraft Examination

Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that the nose wheel fork and scissors had broken. The fracture pattern was consistent with an "overload bending fracture." Additionally, S-shaped skid marks were observed on the runway.