Narrative
The pilot reported touching down on runway 02 with a right crosswind at approximately 20 degrees, full flaps, and a crosswind correction. After touchdown, the airplane began to veer to the left. The pilot applied full right rudder, which caused the airplane to turn back to the right. The pilot stated that full right rudder was required to keep the airplane straight. He described a sensation of a left force holding onto the airplane from behind; the force released, and the airplane veered to the right despite full right rudder application. The pilot lost directional control. The airplane then turned left off the runway, began sliding sideways to the right, the main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to a complete stop. The pilot stated he did not apply any brakes during the landing sequence.
Examination
An FAA inspector examined runway 02 and found a 6-foot length of tire tread skid from the nose wheel at the initial touchdown point, approximately 9 feet left of the centerline. The skid extended beyond the initial contact point in a faint tire scuff that curved right, continuing for approximately 300 to 400 feet before the airplane exited the right edge of the runway onto grass. A left main tire tread scuff was located adjacent to the nose tire scuff. Both tire scuffs ran parallel on pavement until the airplane reached the right-hand edge of the runway. Tire tread marks indicated the airplane departed runway 02 at the mid-point, disturbing gravel, grass, and a broken runway identification lamp.
Examination of the airplane by the FAA revealed structural damage to the airframe. Inspection of the lower strut wheel, brake, and tire assemblies showed no tread loss, and the brake pad and wheel cylinders moved freely with no binding. Flight control surfaces were checked for continuity, with no discrepancies noted.
Maintenance documentation review included airworthiness directives and applicable service bulletins. Service Bulletin No. 2014 (Landing Gear—Removal of Free Play In Main Landing Gear, issued April 1984) had been accomplished on the airplane. Visual inspection of the left wing skin at the left gear attachment point showed no evidence of failure or movement that would have contributed to the runway departure. The airplane logbooks indicated new brake discs were installed on November 28, 1998. All replaced components were listed in the Beechcraft Illustrated Parts Catalog and visually verified by the FAA with no anomalies. Service Instruction No. 1168 (installation of improved grease seal and axle spacer) was reviewed, but the accident airplane was not within the serial numbers affected by that instruction.
Previous Occurrences
An email from a previous owner of the airplane stated: "Nose wheel landings probably rank pretty high on the Sundowner 'stupid pilot tricks' list. Also, be prepared for a pull to the left. Two different ATP's and I experienced a sudden pull to the left upon landing. It kind of feels like the left brake is stuck then brakes loose. We had the plane gone over by several mechanics and found nothing. Wind and runway condition was not a factor. It wasn't what I would call severe, but it will grab your attention."
The pilot reported that a similar event occurred on March 27, 2007, during a check ride. That event was less severe, and the pilot attributed it to his inexperience with the airplane.