Piper PA24 N5866P accident near Greeley, Colorado

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in failure of the right main landing gear and a subsequent loss of control.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that the final approach and touchdown were uneventful, but then the airplane's right wing “dipped,” the nose veered left, and the airplane departed the runway surface. Witnesses reported that, during the landing, the nose gear contacted the runway first and then the airplane became airborne again. After the second touchdown, the airplane veered left into the grass.

Examination of the airplane revealed that the right main landing gear sustained damage consistent with an excessive side load during landing. There was no evidence of a preimpact mechanical malfunction that would have precluded normal operation. Based on the available information, the accident is consistent with the pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in touchdown on the runway with a side load on the landing gear, failure of the right main gear, and a loss of control.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN19LA183 for the full record.