Accident Description
An airplane veered off the runway during landing and came to rest after impacting a ditch. The pilot reported that upon touchdown, the airplane veered hard to the right despite his attempt to correct to the left.
Scene Examination
Examination of the accident site revealed two sets of skid marks on the runway and two corresponding sets of tire marks through the adjacent grass area ahead of the airplane. Both sets of tire skids and marks were similar in appearance. None of the tires exhibited flat spotting, and all tires were found to be in good condition.
The airplane came to rest approximately 57 feet from the left side of the runway, facing about 180 degrees opposite to runway 30.
Landing Gear and System Inspection
Operation of the brake system showed no anomalies. The steering system linkage was found to be operative to the nose gear trunnion. The nose landing gear and the right main landing gear were collapsed. All components of the landing gear system were present, and associated breakage was consistent with impact damage.