Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and separation of the left main landing gear.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the landing roll, the airplane began to swerve to the left and continued off the runway, after which the left main landing gear assembly separated from the airplane. Examination revealed substantial damage to the left wing and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot did not provide a written statement, nor did he complete the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1; therefore, the pilot's flight experience and the airplane's maintenance history could not be determined. The accident is consistent with the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Source record
Factual narrative
On December 11, 2016, about 1157 Pacific standard time, a Beech A23-19, N7998L, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Anacortes Airport (74S), Anacortes, Washington. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector that, during landing, the airplane began to swerve to the left and continued off the runway, during which the left main landing gear separated. The inspector traveled to the accident site and examined the airplane, which sustained substantial damage to the left wing and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot did not provide a written statement, nor did he complete the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1; therefore, the pilot's flight experience and the airplane's maintenance history could not be determined.