Incident Overview
On July 23, 2011, at approximately 2040 mountain daylight time, a Piper J5A (registration N38AW) experienced a left main landing gear collapse during the landing roll near Biddle, Montana. The pilot was operating the aircraft under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The private pilot and a passenger were not injured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the left side of the fuselage.
Flight Details
The local flight departed from a private airstrip near Biddle about 2000. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot reported a normal takeoff and flight, with an uneventful landing on the grass airstrip.
Landing and Accident Sequence
During the landing roll, the nose of the airplane began to drop. The pilot confirmed that he was not applying excessive brake pressure. The nose continued to descend, and the airplane then dropped back onto the tailwheel, and subsequently onto its left wing.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the aircraft revealed that both of the upper landing gear struts had separated at the axle knuckle. Black dust and residue was present around the fracture surface of the aft strut. Examination of the corresponding right landing gear struts indicated that the area of failure was obscured by fabric covering material.
Damage Assessment
The left side of the fuselage sustained substantial damage during the accident sequence. The extent of damage to other components was not specified.