What happened
On June 9, 2017, a SOCATA Rallye 235C operated by Aeroklub Wrocławski was performing a landing at Wrocław-Szymanów Airport (EPWS) following a glider tow operation. During the final approach, the pilot chose to extend the landing straight to prevent the tow rope from catching on bushes located near the roadside.
As the aircraft reached approximately 30 to 50 meters AGL over the runway threshold, the pilot reduced engine power, causing the aircraft to descend at a high vertical rate. The pilot performed the flare at an altitude of approximately 3 meters above the runway surface, leading to a hard, dynamic touchdown with a slight left wing tilt. The left main wheel contacted the ground approximately 2.5 meters before the right wheel, causing the aircraft to bounce. During the initial impact, the left main gear torque tube was sheared. After a second touchdown, the aircraft traveled an additional 90 meters before the torque tube was completely broken from the strut fork. The propeller did not contact the ground, and the pilot exited the aircraft uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation was initially conducted by the operator. Due to the extent of the structural damage to the landing gear, the event was reclassified from an incident to an accident. The investigation examined the flight path, the mechanical state of the landing gear, and the pilot's experience level.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was pilot error, specifically performing a flare that was too high, which resulted in a sink rate that led to a hard, dynamic landing.
- A contributing factor was the pilot's limited experience on the SOCATA Rallye 235C, having only received type rating authorization on April 1, 2017.