Primary finding
Probable cause
An excessive rate of descent resulting in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During final approach and touchdown for a full stop landing, witnesses reported that the aircraft appeared to be under marginal control and touchdown was hard on the right main landing gear. Following initial touchdown, the aircraft swerved to the right then arced to the left and departed the side of the runway coming to rest in a ditch. The pilot reported that the right brake faded and he could not maintain directional control. Witness marks provided evidence of skidding of the right main gear from shortly after touchdown until the aircraft entered the ditch and examination provided evidence of touchdown damage to the right main landing gear assembly which would cause the aircraft to turn to the left. Brake system tests revealed no evidence of failure or malfunction.
Source record
Factual narrative
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