What happened
On 14 November 1982, a Fournier FR-3, registration CS-ALI, operated by Aero Clube de Portugal, was performing a local flight from Cascais Aerodrome. The aircraft, which was being flown by a single pilot, returned to the aerodrome approximately 30 minutes after departure. During the landing sequence, the pilot was executing a long final approach at a speed of 95 km/ and as the main wheel made contact with the runway, the landing gear assembly failed.
The failure caused the wheel to detach and roll ahead of the aircraft, forcing the plane to land on its belly. The aircraft came to a halt approximately six meters from the point of initial contact, with a slight deviation to the left. The impact resulted in extensive damage to the aircraft, including a broken propeller, a damaged carburetor, and tears to the wing fabric and fuselage skin. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the mechanical state of the aircraft and the circumstances of the landing. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was properly certified, equipped, and maintained in accordance with DGAC regulations. The pilot was found to be fully qualified and certified for the flight. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were favorable, with good visibility and light or no wind.
Technical inspections of the aircraft's systems revealed no pre-existing anomalies or mechanical defects in other components that could have contributed to the accident. The investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the landing gear assembly during the touchdown phase.