N345CD

On July 27, 2000, at 2145 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-34-200T, N345CD, operated by a certificated flight instructor (CFI) was substantially damaged during an intentional ground loop/swerve while landing on runway 28 (4,157' x 75', wet asphalt) at the Harbor Springs Municipal Airport, Harbor Springs, Michigan. The CFI, dual private pilot, and three passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight. The flight was operating under an IFR flight plan, which was canceled prior to landing. The flight originated from Detroit, Michigan, at 2100 eastern daylight time.

The CFI reported that once they had the airport in sight he cancelled his IFR flight plan. He reported he called the UNICOM for wind information. He was informed that the winds were calm, so he elected to land on runway 28. The pilot reported that his landing approach was high and he touched down 1/3 to 1/2 way down the runway. He reported he applied full brakes, but the airplane did not slow down. The pilot reported that it was too late to perform a go-around so he decided to keep the airplane on the ground. He reported that he made an intentional sharp left turn to avoid a fence at the end of the runway and the right main gear collapsed when it contacted the grass off the side of the runway. The airplane came to rest almost 180 degrees to the direction of landing. Inspection of the airplane revealed the right wing spar, the right engine and propeller, and the right wing flap and aileron sustained damage as a result of the gear collapse.

The pilot reported the local winds were from 080 degrees at 7 knots. He reported, "A flight over the wind sock would have prevented this mishap."