Accident Sequence
The accident occurred during the landing roll when the pilot felt a vibration described as a "wheel shimmy condition." As the aircraft crossed the intersection of runway 14 and runway 23, the pilot reported that the airplane became "light." While attempting to maintain control, the right wing collided with the runway surface. The airplane slid to the right and came to a stop in the grass on the south side of the intersection of runway 14 and taxiway "A." This location was approximately 2,650 feet from the approach end of runway 14. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident.
Aircraft Examination
An examination of the airplane revealed damage to multiple components. The propeller was damaged, a drag brace was broken, and the left flap was bent upwards. The underbelly of the fuselage sustained damage. The right main landing gear had collapsed, and the right elevator tip was scraped. Additionally, the right wing inboard section was bent, the right aileron was damaged, and structural damage was noted to the right flap and right wing rear spar.
Landing Gear Findings
Further examination focused on the right landing gear assembly. The down lock adjustment stud was found to be broken. A mechanic's visual examination of the stud's fracture face indicated that approximately three-quarters of the face appeared to be an old fracture, while the remaining quarter appeared to be a fresh fracture. The maintenance history of the down lock adjustment stud was not determined, and subsequent efforts to secure the fractured stud for further examinations were unsuccessful.