What happened
On 2 December 2014, a DA 42 Twin Star, registration G-CTCF, was conducting a training flight at Bournemouth Airport. During the approach to Runway 08, the aircraft encountered crosswind conditions, with winds recorded at 17 knots and gusts reaching 27 knots. While the student pilot managed the approach effectively, the aircraft touched down with a slight crab angle because the drift had not been entirely neutralized.
Immediately following touchdown, the instructor took control of the aircraft after noticing an unexpected lack of response to control inputs. The instructor observed the right wing dropping toward the ground. Despite attempts to correct the situation using full left aileron and right rudder, the wing made contact with the surface. The aircraft subsequently came to a halt on the grass verge adjacent to the runway. There were no injuries to the three crew members on board.
The investigation
Following the incident, the aircraft's maintenance organisation conducted an inspection of the airframe. This examination identified that the drag strut on the right main landing gear had failed and separated from the main leg. This mechanical failure was the direct cause of the landing gear collapse. The damaged components were subsequently sent to the aircraft manufacturer for a more comprehensive technical analysis.