N2243M

On May 13, 2002, at 1359 central daylight time, a Stinson 108-3, N2243M, owned and operated by a commercial pilot, lost directional control, and collapsed the main landing gear during landing roll at Tuscaloosa Municipal Airport, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The personal flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the pilot and three passengers were not injured. The flight departed Marianna, Florida, at 1240 eastern daylight time.

According to the pilot, he was on a cross-country flight from Marianna, Florida, to Fayetteville, Alabama, when he became concerned about the fuel consumption of his airplane. He decided to divert to Tuscaloosa Municipal Airport. During the approach to Tuscaloosa he lost radio communication with the air traffic control tower. The pilot conducted the necessary radio out procedures, and landed on runway 22. During the landing roll, the pilot stated he lost control of the airplane, and veered off the right of runway 22. The right main landing gear collapsed and the airplane reentered the runway and ground looped.

Examination of the airplane revealed, the right main landing gear was collapsed. The right wing spars and stringers were buckled. The fuselage was also buckled from the horizontal stabilizer forward to the cabin area. No flight control or mechanical malfunctions were reported.