Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

On August 9, 1997, at 0848 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 305A (L-19), N542EZ, sustained substantial damage when one main landing gear collapsed during landing roll at Aspen, Colorado. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for this local area personal flight conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91 and no flight plan was filed.

According to the pilot, he was on his fourth touch-and-go landing and following touch down, the aircraft veered to the right. He said that left rudder input veered the aircraft left and right rudder and brake had little effect on directional control. The aircraft slid sideways and the right main landing gear collapsed causing damage to the right wing, elevator, and propeller.

Recorded wind at the Aspen Airport at the time of the accident was from 360 degrees magnetic at 4 knots. There were no recorded gusts.

According to information supplied by the pilot on NTSB Form 6120.1/2, he had 1 hour experience in this make and model aircraft.

Examination of the aircraft by a mechanic, at the facility where the aircraft was taken for repairs, provided no evidence of a preaccident failure or malfunction. Failure of the pilot to maintain direction control of the aircraft during landing roll, which resulted in a ground swerve and subsequent collapse of the right main landing gear. A related factor was the pilot's lack of experience in the make and model of aircraft.