What happened
On 15 October 2010, a Hoffman H-36 Dimona, registration EI-CRV, was conducting a circuit training flight at Waterford Airport, Ireland. During the second landing of the session, the aircraft experienced a significant swing to the right while rolling along the runway. Although the commander immediately announced that he had taken control, the handling pilot failed to release the flight controls. As the aircraft veered off the runway surface, the right-hand undercarriage leg collapsed. The aircraft eventually came to a stop in the grass, approximately 17 meters from the edge of the runway. There were no injuries to the two crew members on board.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight dynamics and the actions of both pilots. The commander, an experienced instructor, noted that the aircraft had landed normally in ideal weather conditions with a light northwest wind. The investigation looked into the mechanical characteristics of the Hoffman H-36 Dimona, noting its narrow main undercarriage track and the fact that its center of gravity is located behind the main wheels.
Investigators also reviewed the cockpit actions during the excursion. It was established that the handling pilot had pulled the airbrake lever to full travel, which simultaneously applied the wheel brakes. The investigation also considered the runway environment, noting a 5 cm lip and a sunken gravel drain at the runway edge, which may have contributed to the undercarriage failure.