What happened
During a local pilot check flight, the aircraft experienced a sudden mechanical issue immediately upon touchdown. A loud bang was heard by those on board and nearby. Following this event, the aircraft gradually veered to the right and subsequently ground looped. Prior to this incident, the pilot reported that the brakes were operating normally during the first touch-and-go landing.
The investigation
A local mechanic attempted to assess the damage but was unable to identify the specific failure at the scene. Further examination of the aircraft revealed that the right landing gear strut had broken. Analysis of the failed component showed clear evidence of an overload failure, indicating that the strut failed due to excessive stress rather than a pre-existing mechanical defect.
Findings
The primary factor in this incident was the structural failure of the right landing gear strut. The failure mode was determined to be an overload, which led to the loss of directional control and the subsequent ground loop. The pilot's report of normal brake operation prior to the event suggests that the braking system itself did not contribute to the initial failure, pointing instead to a structural or loading issue with the landing gear assembly.
Safety message
This incident highlights the importance of immediate post-incident inspection for any loud bangs or unusual noises during landing. Even if brakes appear functional, structural components like landing gear struts may sustain critical damage that requires professional assessment before further flight.