What happened
On November 25, 2019, a CA-8SS52 experimental aircraft, registered as ZP-X071, was performing a ferry flight from Boa Vista (SBBV) to Flores (SWFN) in Manaus, Brazil. The flight was part of a larger relocation of the aircraft from Florida, USA, to Paraguay.
Upon touchdown on runway 11 at Flores Aerodrome, the wheel and tire assembly of the auxiliary landing gear detached from the aircraft. Following the separation, the aircraft continued to move on its main landing gear strut until it came to a complete stop. The impact and subsequent movement caused the propeller to sustain substantial damage, the engine to stop abruptly, the engine cowling to break due to the failure of the auxiliary gear support, and the starter generator support to fracture.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the flight history and maintenance records of the aircraft. The crew, consisting of two pilots, were found to be properly qualified with valid medical certificates and single-engine land ratings. The aircraft held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness issued by Paraguay.
Maintenance records indicated that the last inspection of the landing gear system occurred on September 11, 2017, involving the removal and inspection of the auxiliary tire, with no abnormalities noted at that time. While the airframe and engine logs were up to date, the propeller logbook was not available for the investigation.
Investigators reviewed security footage and eyewitness accounts from the time of the landing. Observations and video evidence confirmed that the auxiliary landing gear assembly was positioned at approximately a 90-degree angle relative to the direction of flight during the approach. Additionally, the crew reported hearing a metallic sound during takeoff from Boa Vista, suggesting a potential issue may have originated earlier in the flight. A search of the runway at SBBV for any detached components was unsuccessful.
Findings
- The auxiliary landing gear wheel and tire assembly detached upon touchdown.
- The crew was unharmed during the occurrence.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the propeller, engine cowling, and starter generator support.
- The exact cause of the component separation remains undetermined due to the inability to locate the detached part and the experimental nature of the aircraft, which lacks standard aeronautical certification processes.