On July 1, 2005, a Bellanca 7KCAB (registration N1029E) operated by James L Reynolds was involved in an aviation accident near Shorter, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in the left main landing gear striking a depression in the ground and collapsing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A light aircraft veered off a private grass airstrip upon landing, striking a ground depression that caused the left main gear to collapse. No mechanical issues were reported by the pilot prior to the incident.
What happened
The pilot was conducting a routine approach and landing on a private grass airstrip measuring approximately 2,200 feet in length. Upon touchdown, the aircraft deviated to the right side of the runway surface. It exited the paved or maintained grass area and encountered a depression in the terrain. The left main landing gear struck this depression, resulting in structural failure of the gear assembly. The airplane eventually stopped on the grass adjacent to the strip.
The investigation
A physical examination of the aircraft revealed that the left main landing gear had collapsed upon impact with the ground irregularity. The pilot stated there were no known mechanical problems or anomalies reported prior to the flight. No further mechanical defects were identified in the provided narrative.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in the left main landing gear striking a depression in the ground and collapsing.