Landing Gear Collapse After Loss of Directional Control (N731SV)

Incident Overview and Pilot Account An airplane sustained damage when its right main landing gear collapsed during landing following a loss of directional control. In a telephone interview, the pilot stated that he was landing on runway 24 into a left quartering headwind. He stated that his intent was to perform a wheel landing. He said that the airplane bounced, at which time he applied a little power, re-flared, and attempted to wheel land again. He stated that the airplane bounced again, at which time he elected to perform a three-point landing. He said that upon touchdown, the airplane began to go to the right, and he applied up elevator and left rudder. He said that the airplane began to skid sideways and went off the runway. He said that when the wheels contacted the turf, the airplane began to hop, and then the right main landing gear collapsed. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane. Recorded winds were 230 degrees at 14 knots.