Synopsis
During an instructional flight at Cork Airport (EICK), a section of the left main landing gear assembly separated from the aircraft following a touch-and-go landing on Runway 25. The instructor, after discussions with Cork Air Traffic Control (ATC), performed a controlled two-wheel landing and then steered the aircraft onto the grass verge to the left of the runway. There were no injuries reported, and there was no fire.
History of the Flight
At 12:52 UTC on 6 January 2020, aircraft EI-DDX, with a student pilot in the left seat and an instructor in the right seat, departed Runway 25 at Cork Airport for local circuit training. After completing a right-hand circuit, the aircraft performed a touch-and-go landing on Runway 25 at 12:58 UTC. The pilot and instructor did not observe any anomalies during the landing. During the subsequent climb out, at approximately 300 feet above ground level, the student pilot noticed that the left main wheel was missing and appeared to have broken away from the strut. The instructor immediately took control and contacted Cork ATC at 12:59 UTC, informing them of the damaged landing gear.
ATC routed the aircraft to the Dunkettle Hold while both runways were inspected for debris. At 13:03 UTC, the instructor declared an emergency. After Runway 07/25 was cleared, the aircraft was cleared to land. At 13:12 UTC, the instructor performed a controlled two-wheel landing on Runway 25 and steered onto the grass verge. Emergency services attended the scene and reported the crew and aircraft safe.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Cessna 172S, serial number 172S8313, manufactured in 1999. It was powered by a single Lycoming IO-360-L2A engine. The fixed tricycle landing gear configuration included a left main landing gear assembly consisting of a tubular spring, axle, wheel, and associated sub-assemblies. At the time of the accident, the aircraft had completed 14,674 total flight hours. A 100-hour maintenance inspection was completed 13 hours prior, and an annual inspection 196 hours prior. The aircraft held a valid Airworthiness Review Certificate.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its left main undercarriage and associated sub-assemblies. The left wheel and brake assembly separated during the touch-and-go landing and was recovered from the grass on the right side of Runway 25. Additionally, the nose landing gear, propeller, left wingtip, left horizontal stabiliser, and elevator all sustained ground impact damage. There was possible shock loading to the engine. The aircraft was lifted from the accident site using a crane and moved to the operator's maintenance facility for examination.
Flight Crew Details
The instructor held a Commercial Pilot Licence with 445 total flight hours, 413 of which were on the accident type. The student pilot was undergoing training for a Private Pilot Licence and had 65 total flight hours. Both occupants wore three-point harnesses with inertia reels, which operated satisfactorily during the event.
Meteorological and Aerodrome Information
The weather at the time was benign, with a westerly wind of 16 knots, few clouds at 2,200 feet, and a temperature of 10°C. Cork Airport has two runways; Runway 07/25, where the accident occurred, is 1,310 meters long with a grooved asphalt surface.