Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane on landing resulted in a loss of control, sliding off the runway into a rock collapsing the landing gear.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane veered to the left of the runway on landing roll and collided with a rock collapsing the nose landing gear.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 10, 1995 about 1640 eastern daylight time, N4587P, a Piper PA-23-250, experienced a nose gear collapse on landing at Opa Locka West Airport Opa Locka, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The commercial pilot reported no injuries and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight originated from Opa Locka Airport, Opa Locka, Florida, about 15 minutes earlier. The pilot allowed the airplane to veer to the left on landing roll. The plane collided with a rock collapsing the nose landing gear. -