N796W

On September 17, 2003 at 1820 eastern daylight time, a Bellance CH-300 (Replica), NR796W, registered to and operated by Spirit of Wenatchee, Inc. left main landing gear collapsed during an attempted landing on runway 13 at Falcon Field Peachtree City, Georgia. The personal flight operated under the provisions of Title 14 Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged. The commercial pilot and passenger had minor injuries. The flight departed Falcon Field, Peachtree City, Georgia, at 1730, on September 17, 2003.

The purpose of the personal flight was undetermined, however, according to the pilot, they were on a normal approach for a 3-point landing on Runway 13. After the airplane touched down half way down the runway, the pilot began to make minor corrections with the rudder to maintain directional control during the landing roll. The pilot further reported that the airplane veered off the left side of the runway about 3400 feet from the approach end. The airplane then ground looped, followed by the collapse of the left main landing gear.

The pilot did not report the airplane having any mechanical malfunctions or failures. The examination of the airplane after the accident also failed to disclose a mechanical problem. The pilot stated that this accident could have been prevented with "better rudder control by the operator."