What happened
During the initial climb phase following takeoff, the private pilot occupying the front seat noticed what appeared to be a loose cowling on the aircraft. Concerned about potential structural integrity or debris ingestion, the pilot alerted the owner and commercial pilot seated in the rear. The commercial pilot assumed control of the aircraft and made the decision to return to the departure airport for further inspection.
Upon attempting to land back at the airport, the aircraft touched down short of the runway threshold. The impact forces caused the main landing gear to collapse, resulting in significant damage to the airframe. No injuries were reported among the occupants during this incident.
The investigation
Investigators examined the area where the pilot had suspected a loose cowling. They discovered that there was no actual structural failure or loose paneling on the engine cowling. Instead, the source of the disturbance was identified as a piece of rubber material located within the air intake system. This component is designed to prevent birds from entering the engine compartment.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the misidentification of the rubber bird guard in the air intake as a loose cowling. This misunderstanding prompted an unnecessary return to the airport. The subsequent landing short of the runway led to the collapse of the main landing gear. The incident highlights how non-critical internal components can be mistaken for external structural issues during flight.
Safety message
Pilots should be aware that internal engine components, such as bird guards, may cause unusual noises or vibrations that could be misinterpreted as external damage. Proper pre-flight inspections and in-flight checklists can help distinguish between actual structural problems and benign internal components.