Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper use of the brakes. The gusty, crosswind was a factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
After touchdown in a gusty crosswind, the pilot began hard braking in order to turn off the runway at the first taxiway. The hard braking, and the side loads exerted on the gear structure in order to maintain directional control during the rapid deceleration, resulted in collapse of the main gear strut.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 23, 1993, at approximately 1530 Pacific daylight time (PDT), a Bucker BU-131, N1XW, experienced a gear collapse during landing roll at Arlington Municipal Airport, Arlington, Washington. The FAA certificated private pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, was not injured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The local personal pleasure flight, which was being operated in visual meteorological conditions at the time of the accident, had departed the same airport about one-half hour earlier. The aircraft was not on a filed flight plan, and there was no report of an ELT activation. The pilot said that he made a firm touchdown in about a seven to ten knot gusty crosswind, and then began hard braking in order to exit the runway at the first taxiway. As he was attempting to slow the aircraft, the gear collapsed and folded back under the airframe. -