Accident Details
On January 19, 2026, at approximately 1303 mountain standard time, a Cessna 500 airplane, registration C-GJVK, was substantially damaged during a landing at Great Falls International Airport (GTF), Great Falls, Montana. The pilot and the sole passenger were not injured. The flight was conducted as a personal operation under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that during the approach, he extended the landing gear and received an unsafe indication for the left main landing gear. The nose gear and right main landing gear indicated down and locked. He then moved the landing gear lever slightly and obtained a down and locked indication for the left main landing gear. All three landing gear down and locked lights remained illuminated for the remainder of the approach.
Landing and Collapse
The landing was smooth. As the airplane slowed to about 30 knots, the pilot felt the left wing begin to lower. The left wing and flap then contacted the runway. The airplane veered slightly to the left and came to rest with the left wing over the grass and the left main landing gear collapsed.
Postaccident Examination
Postaccident examination revealed that the airplane’s left wing sustained substantial damage. The airplane was recovered and retained for further examination.