What happened
On 15 October 2016, a Eurofox 912(LS), registration G-ODGC, was performing glider-towing operations at Eyres Field in Wareham, Dorset. During the fifth flight of the day, the glider released its towing cable shortly after the aircraft had departed. While the pilot continued to climb within the airfield circuit, ground personnel alerted the commander that the right main landing gear leg was hanging below the fuselage.
Following radio discussions with the Chief Flying Instructor, the pilot spent roughly one hour flying practice approaches and reducing the aircraft's fuel weight. During the final landing attempt, the pilot shut down the engine and electrical systems at 100 ft above ground level. The aircraft made contact with the ground on the left mainwheel. The pilot attempted to keep the right wing elevated, but as the aircraft slowed and aileron control diminished, the right wing struck the ground, causing the aircraft to rotate approximately 100 degrees before stopping. The pilot sustained no injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft and determined that the forward bolt securing the right landing gear leg to the fuselage had broken. Analysis of the fracture surfaces, which were reviewed by the LAA, revealed that the bolt had failed because of crack progression due to fatigue. Furthermore, the presence of corrosion on a large part of the fracture surface suggested that the crack had existed for a significant period prior to the failure.
Findings
- The right landing gear leg detached because the forward mounting bolt failed.
- The failure was caused by a fatigue crack in the bolt.
- Corrosion on the fracture surface indicated the crack was long-standing.