Runway excursion and landing gear failure during approach

No fatalities • Saint George, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a landing gear failure and runway excursion during an approach in low-visibility conditions.

What happened

During an approach to the runway in foggy conditions, the aircraft experienced a significant excursion. According to reports from passengers, the plane was flying at a low altitude and approached the runway at an angled trajectory. As the aircraft attempted to correct its path, the right wing made contact with the runway surface.

The landing was described as a heavy impact, which resulted in the structural failure of the landing gear. Specifically, the nose gear and the right main landing gear were sheared off during the event.

Weather observations from the Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) at the time of the incident indicated a 300-foot overcast ceiling with visibility limited to 2.5 miles due to fog.

Findings

Data from the cockpit voice recorder revealed that the stall warning horn activated as the first officer requested an increase in engine power. The pilot in command reported that a crosswind had caused the aircraft to drift toward the left side of the runway centerline, necessitating a right-hand turn to attempt to realign the aircraft with the runway.

Probable cause

The pilot attempted a corrective turn to realign with the runway centerline during a crosswind approach, leading to a wing strike and subsequent landing gear failure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-05-03 Swearingen SA227 Metro III accident near Saint George, United States of America?

An aircraft experienced a landing gear failure and runway excursion during an approach in low-visibility conditions.

Were there any fatalities in the 1996-05-03 Swearingen SA227 Metro III accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-05-03 involved a Swearingen SA227 Metro III, registration N670PA, operated by PenAir - Peninsula Airways - Alaska Airlines Commuter, at Saint George, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot attempted a corrective turn to realign with the runway centerline during a crosswind approach, leading to a wing strike and subsequent landing gear failure.

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