Accident Overview
The accident occurred during a landing attempt. The pilot executed a three-point landing configuration. After touchdown, a slight bounce was noted, but the pilot reported that the airplane seemed to stabilize during the initial rollout. However, the airplane then veered to the left, and the pilot was unable to correct the deviation using rudder and aileron inputs.
Landing and Loss of Control
As the airplane continued to veer left, the pilot applied power in an attempt to regain control. He immediately recognized that adding power would not help the situation under the existing circumstances. He then reduced power, applied the brakes, and depressed the right rudder pedal fully.
The Correction
The application of maximum right rudder pedal caused the airplane to pivot sharply to the right. The right landing gear sheared off during this pivot. The pilot attributed the gear failure to excessive side load resulting from the maneuver.
Damage and Outcome
After the gear separated, the airplane contacted a runway sign. It came to rest facing the runway, with the right wing tip resting on the ground. The airframe and right wing sustained substantial damage.