What happened
On August 23, 2018, an instructor and a student pilot were conducting PPL(A) flight training in a Cessna 152, registration SP-KIY, at Radawiec Airport (EPLR). Following a Touch-and-Go maneuver, the aircraft began its takeoff roll. After the aircraft became airborne, the right main landing gear wheel detached from the airframe.
The crew was initially unaware that the wheel had separated and continued the flight pattern. After completing a standard 80/260° procedural turn, the crew performed a landing from the opposite direction. During the final phase of the landing roll, the right landing gear strut made contact with the runway surface. The aircraft traveled in a straight line for approximately 30 meters before experiencing a gentle directional change of about 135° toward the damaged side, eventually coming to a stop.
Upon exiting the aircraft, the crew identified small dents in the fuselage near the horizontal stabilizer and minor dents on the right leading edge of the horizontal stabilizer. These damages were likely caused by the detached wheel, which was subsequently located on the runway.
The investigation
The PKBWL reviewed the final report submitted by the aircraft operator. The investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the landing gear assembly and the subsequent impact of the detached component on the aircraft structure.