Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing site, resulting in a main landing gear collapse during the landing roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The private pilot was landing on a ridgeline in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. He reported that after landing, his landing roll was longer than anticipated, and the airplane rolled into an area of rough and uneven terrain. He said that the airplane's left main landing gear wheel struck rock, and the left main landing gear leg collapsed. The airplane sustained structural damage to the left wing and the left wing lift struts. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
The private pilot was landing on a ridgeline in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. He reported that after landing, his landing roll was longer than anticipated, and the airplane rolled into an area of rough and uneven terrain. He said that the airplane's left main landing gear wheel struck rock, and the left main landing gear leg collapsed. The airplane sustained structural damage to the left wing and the left wing lift struts. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.