What happened
The pilot reported landing on runway 19 with a wind from 250 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots. As the aircraft rolled out, a severe gust of wind was encountered that put the plane on the left gear only. Subsequently, the left gear failed and the left wing, fuselage and propeller were damaged. The pilot was required to wear an artificial limb while flying.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the landing gear system following the impact with the ground during the roll-out phase. Examination revealed that the left gear collapsed under the stress of the crosswind conditions, leading to significant structural damage to the left wing, fuselage, and propeller. The pilot's use of an artificial limb was noted as a relevant factor in the operational context.
Findings
The primary finding was that the severe gust of wind during the landing roll-out caused the aircraft to tip onto its left side, resulting in the failure of the left landing gear. This event highlights the critical importance of managing crosswind components and gust factors during the final phase of flight.
Safety message
Pilots should be aware of the potential for gust-induced structural failures when landing in variable wind conditions. Proper technique and awareness of wind shifts are essential to prevent similar incidents.