Incident Overview
A certified flight instructor (CFI) and a private pilot were conducting a training flight that included a simulated single-engine approach. The airplane touched down on runway 31. After landing, the CFI instructed the pilot to apply brakes in order to turn off at the midfield taxiway.
Sequence of Events
When the pilot applied the brakes, the airplane began to veer to the left. The CFI verbally instructed the pilot to release the brakes and assumed control of the flight controls while applying right rudder. Despite this, the airplane continued to veer left. The CFI then applied full right rudder. The CFI believed the continued leftward movement was due to a flat left main landing gear tire.
The airplane departed the left side of the runway, and the left main landing gear struck uneven terrain, causing the gear to collapse.
Post-Incident Examination
Examination of the runway revealed skid marks beginning 1,400 feet from the approach end of the runway and extending 345 yards to where the right main landing gear had left a gouge in the sod area west of the runway. The left main landing gear tire was found flat with a flat spot and a hole. A functional check of the brake system showed no anomalies.
Summary
The aircraft experienced a loss of directional control during the landing roll, resulting in a runway excursion and damage to the left main landing gear.