Flight Details
According to the pilot, he was conducting touch-and-go takeoffs and landings as part of his flight training curriculum. The two previous takeoffs and landings were performed without issues, despite an existing crosswind. During the subsequent takeoff, the pilot noted that while turning downwind the airplane was slightly fast. He slowed to 75 knots, but feeling high, applied full flaps and reduced to 70 knots. A slight left crosswind required correction with left aileron and right rudder to maintain the approach on runway centerline.
Event Sequence
The airplane touched down to the right of the runway centerline. The pilot applied left rudder to return to centerline, verbally confirmed checks ("aircraft under control, flaps zero"), and reduced flap setting to zero. Applying full power, he prepared to check the instruments when the airplane pulled to the left, which he considered abnormal. He reduced power to regain control and centerline alignment, then rechecked instruments and applied full power and right rudder. Approximately three seconds later, the airplane pulled "violently" to the left. The right wing dropped, and the airplane rotated left. The pilot reduced throttle to idle and applied full right rudder with no effect. As the airplane departed the runway surface, he applied brakes.
Witnesses reported that the airplane disappeared in a cloud of dust and traveled another 485 feet, leaving only one tire mark, before striking a drainage ditch and coming to a stop on a paved taxiway. The right main landing gear separated and was found about 200 feet from where the airplane left the runway. The total distance from the onset of skid marks to the stopping point was approximately 800 feet. Skid marks from the nose wheel and right main tire arched left for about 300 feet. After applying full power again, the airplane pulled left, the left wing rose, and the airplane turned abruptly, striking a runway marker sign with the right wing before exiting the runway.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane and reported no mechanical anomalies that could have caused the loss of control. The pilot later told the inspector that he landed hard to the left of the runway centerline, and upon power application, the airplane pulled left approximately 45 degrees.