What happened
On August 8, 2020, at approximately 10:16 local time, a Piper Aircraft Corporation, PA-18 150, registration HB-PPJ, was performing a private flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). The aircraft had departed from Speck-Fehraltorf Airport (LSZK) and was en route to Samedan Airport (LSZS).
During the landing phase at Samedan, the aircraft experienced a sudden departure from the runway centerline. The tail of the aircraft swung out, causing the plane to veer off the runway to the right. The aircraft eventually came to a stop in a grassy area adjacent to the runway.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the aircraft leaving the paved surface. Upon exiting the runway, the impact and movement caused the left landing gear to collapse. This structural failure led to secondary contact with the ground, resulting in heavy damage to the left wing and various sections of the fuselage.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a loss of directional control during the landing roll.
- The collapse of the left landing gear was a consequence of the aircraft exiting the runway and encountering the terrain.