Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The private pilot stated in the NTSB Form 6120.1 (Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report) that during the take-off roll the airplane developed a severe nose-wheel shimmy. He said he circled for a landing, made a stable approach to the runway, and landed "on the numbers." During the landing the airplane departed the left side of the runway onto the grass, and impacted a shallow ditch. The airplane's nose gear collapsed, and the firewall sustained structural damage. The operator stated that the airplane's prior flight was for 1.6-hours, which included six landings, with no reported problems.
Source record
Factual narrative
The 700-hour private pilot stated in the NTSB Form 6120.1 (Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report) that during the take-off roll the airplane developed a severe nose-wheel shimmy. The pilot added, he circled around for a landing and that he made a stable, night approach to the runway, and landed "on the numbers." During the landing the airplane departed the left side of the runway onto the grass, and impacted a shallow ditch before coming to a stop. The airplane's nose gear collapsed, and the firewall sustained structural damage. The Operator stated that the airplane's prior flight was for 1.6-hours which included 6 landings, with no reported problems.