Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CHI03LA142

Seneca, KS, USA

Aircraft #1

N29SK

Grumman G-164A

Analysis

The airplane sustained substantial damage when the left main landing gear collapsed and it impacted a ditch during landing. The pilot reported the airplane turned abruptly to the right after touchdown. The pilot stated he applied left rudder to gain control of the airplane and the airplane slid sideways down the runway. The left main landing gear strut collapsed, the left wing struck the runway, and the airplane slid into a ditch. An on-scene inspection of the airplane showed no anomalies in the main landing gear brakes or brake assemblies. The right main landing gear strut was intact.

Factual Information

On May 29, 2003, at 1200 central daylight time, a Grumman G-164A, N29SK, operated by Nemaha Valley Aerial Inc., sustained substantial damage during a loss of directional control while landing at a private airstrip near Seneca, Kansas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The commercial pilot reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight was not operating on a flight plan. The local flight departed at an unconfirmed time. The pilot reported he applied brakes after touching down and the airplane made an "unwarranted and abrupt 90-degree turn to the right." The pilot stated he applied left rudder to gain control of the airplane and the airplane slid sideways down the runway. The left main landing gear strut collapsed and the wing impacted the runway. The airplane subsequently impacted a ditch and came to a stop. A Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness inspector conducted an on-scene examination of the airplane. The examination showed no anomalies in the main landing gear brakes or brake assemblies. The right main landing gear strut was intact.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing. Factors contributing to the accident were the collapse of the left main landing gear strut and the ditch.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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