Landing and Initial Rollout
The pilot stated that the approach to Panama City-Bay County International Airport was uneventful. After lowering the landing gear, the pilot observed "3 in the green" and complied with the landing checklist. The touchdown was normal with full flaps deployed. Moderate reverse thrust and very light brakes were applied.
Event
Approximately halfway through the rollout, the tower informed the pilot of smoke coming from the left main gear. About one second later, the left wing "dipped" approximately one foot. Seconds afterward, the left main landing gear collapsed. The propeller then contacted the runway surface, and the airplane rotated to the left about 70 degrees. The aircraft came to rest upright on runway 23.
Examination
Examination of the left main landing gear cylinder top brace assembly (part number 404-188406) was conducted by the NTSB Materials Laboratory. The examination revealed evidence of overstress on all fracture surfaces of the component.