Landing Gear Collapse During Landing In Gusty Crosswind Conditions

Location: Norfolk, Virginia Accident Number: ERA25LA090
Date & Time: January 5, 2025, 15:26 Local Registration: N160MH
Aircraft: Hinson Melvin J Velocity Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Landing gear collapse Injuries: 3 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: At the conclusion of an uneventful cross-country flight, the pilot of the experimental amateurbuilt airplane entered the traffic pattern at the destination airport and extended the airplane’s landing gear. He then observed a normal “down and locked” indication on the airplane’s avionics and continued the landing approach. The pilot described that the wind was coming from the right during the approach, with a reported velocity of about 6 knots, gusting to 18 knots. Shortly after touching down on the runway, the pilot described that there was an abnormal vibration, after which he lost directional control of the airplane. He responded by applying full rudder and brake in an attempt to counter the crosswind. The airplane continued in an uncontrolled slide and drifted left until it came to rest at the left edge of the runway. The airplane’s main landing gear collapsed during the accident sequence and the lower aft and left side of the fuselage were substantially damaged. Additionally, the nose landing gear’s wheel separated at the fork during the accident sequence. Postaccident examination of the landing gear extension/retraction system revealed that it operated normally.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- A landing gear collapse during landing in gusty crosswind conditions. 

FMI: www.ntsb.gov