What happened
On July 22, 2009, at approximately 20:32 LMT, a PZL-110 Koliber, registration SP-ARL, was performing a training flight at Piła Airport [EPPI]. The flight was being conducted by a student pilot under the supervision of an instructor. The aircraft was executing a landing approach without flaps at a speed of 130 km/h under calm weather conditions.
Immediately after touchdown, the aircraft experienced a sudden tilt to the left. The instructor took control, increased engine power, and attempted to lift the aircraft to land again on the right wheel. However, a second tilt to the left occurred, causing the left wingtip to contact the ground. As the aircraft lost speed, it veered off the asphalt runway onto the grass surface, where it performed a left-hand circle before coming to a stop. The crew, consisting of two individuals, exited the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance history, the flight parameters, and the physical damage sustained. The investigation established that the aircraft was properly prepared for flight, with all documentation, including airworthiness and insurance, being in order. The crew's qualifications and medical certifications were found to be sufficient for the training task. The investigation noted that the aircraft had been used primarily for flight training and had reached its manufacturer-specified service life limit of 1,200 flight hours, having completed approximately 4,000 landing cycles.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained significant structural damage, including a dented fuselage and destroyed skin between frames 7 and 8.
- The left main landing gear leg was severed from the aircraft, specifically the upper attachment point of the control arm.
- The brake line on the left main gear was severed, and the tire on the detached wheel was damaged.
- The primary cause of the accident was the fracture of the upper attachment ear of the left main landing gear control arm due to operational wear.