What happened
On 1 August 2006, a Grob G.115A, registration EI-DJY, was conducting a local training flight at Cork Airport. The flight, which involved a student pilot and an instructor, included a simulated engine failure after take-off (EFATO) maneuver. During this exercise, the instructor reduced engine power to idle at approximately 300 to 350 feet above ground level.
Due to a strong headwind and the lack of engine power, the aircraft descended at a high rate. Although the instructor intervened to take control as the aircraft approached the runway, the aircraft still experienced a hard landing and bounced. Following this incident, the crew performed another circuit and returned for a full-stop landing on Runway 35. During the subsequent landing roll, the left main landing gear leg collapsed, causing the aircraft to strike the runway surface and resulting in further damage to the ventral fin. There were no injuries to the two crew members.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence, the aircraft's mechanical state, and the environmental conditions. Investigators reviewed the aircraft's configuration, noting it featured a non-retractable tricycle landing gear. The investigation also analyzed the weather at the time of the incident, which included a Northwesterly wind of 25 knots with gusts up to 30 knots.
Technical examination of the aircraft revealed that the collapse of the left main gear strut led to a rupture in the hydraulic braking system line, causing a loss of brake function and steering capability. The investigation also reviewed the flight school's operating manual, which specifies wind limits for dual instruction flights.