Accident Details
On October 13, 2018, at approximately 1315 eastern daylight time, a Beech F33A, registration N9469Q, sustained substantial damage during a landing at Swinton Smith Field (RVJ) in Reidsville, Georgia. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, reported no injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Wright Army Airfield (LHW) in Hinesville, Georgia, about 1215.
Landing Sequence
The pilot flew the airport traffic pattern for runway 29, which is 5,000 feet long and 75 feet wide with an asphalt surface. Touchdown occurred at 65 knots on the main landing gear approximately 750 feet from the approach end of the runway, slightly left of the centerline. Upon lowering the nose gear, the pilot felt an uncharacteristic lurch to the left and then to the right. He attempted to correct with rudder inputs and differential braking, but the airplane did not respond and began veering uncontrollably to the right. The pilot then increased braking until both wheels skidded. The airplane skidded sideways, exited the right side of the runway, and collided with a taxiway sign before coming to rest upright.
Wreckage Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage. The left main landing gear had collapsed, and the left wing spar was damaged. A continuity check of the nose landing gear system, including all linkage from the rudder pedals to the rudder flight control, revealed no discrepancies. Examination of the nosewheel well area showed no visible indications of premature component failure. Runway marks indicated main landing gear tire impressions starting about 750 feet from the approach end. Shortly after, a nosewheel tire mark appeared and continued straight without wobbling. Further down the runway, skid marks from the main landing gear were consistent with heavy braking before departing the runway.
Weather Conditions
The recorded wind at an airport located about 12 nautical miles northwest of the accident site, around the time of the accident, was from 290° at 4 knots.