FTW99LA237

The student pilot lost control of the airplane during the landing roll at a private grass airstrip. The pilot told an FAA inspector that his landing approach speed was 'too hot,' and on the landing roll, he overran the runway. During the landing roll, the pilot applied 'excessive braking while turning, resulting in the right main landing gear collapsing.'

On July 25, 1999, approximately 2045 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28R-180 airplane, N7605J, was substantially damaged during landing at the River Acres private airstrip near Heber Springs, Arkansas. The student pilot, who owned the airplane, and his two passengers were not injured. Dusk visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The cross-country flight originated from the Charles W. Baker Airport near Memphis, Tennessee.

According to the FAA inspector, who conducted the pilot interview, the student pilot stated that he flew to Heber Springs to check on his new house. The pilot told the FAA inspector that his landing approach speed was "too hot," and on the landing roll, he overran the runway. During the landing roll, the pilot applied "excessive braking while turning, resulting in the right main landing gear collapsing." The right main landing gear punctured the right wing, and the right wing spar was bent.

An anonymous caller informed the FAA about the accident on August 24, 1999. Numerous attempts to obtain a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) from the pilot were unsuccessful.