Primary finding
Probable cause
The collapse of the left landing gear during landing for undetermined reasons.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The left landing gear collapsed during landing on a remote grass/turf airstrip. After the landing gear collapsed, the airplane veered to the left and impacted a tree. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane during the flight. The reason for the landing gear collapse was not determined.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 25, 2011, at 1030 mountain daylight time, a Tubbs S/Performance Air PA-18 225DD, N727WW, landing gear collapsed during landing at Mile Hi Landing Strip, Idaho. The private pilot operated the airplane under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot was not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated at Big Creek, Idaho, at 1000. The pilot stated that the left-hand landing gear collapsed during landing on runway 19 at Mile Hi Landing Strip. After the landing gear collapsed, the airplane veered to the left and impacted a tree. The landing strip was an unimproved grass/turf strip located in a remote area. The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.