What happened
On 3 September 2015, a Glasair RG, registration G-TRUK, was conducting a private flight from Fairoaks Airport to Old Sarum. During the flight, the pilot selected the landing gear to the down position; however, the cockpit indications showed that only the nose and left main landing gear had successfully locked.
Following the failure, the pilot attempted to cycle the gear multiple times to rectify the issue. Air Traffic Control provided a visual confirmation that the right main gear remained retracted. After being unable to extend the gear, the pilot returned to Fairolarks. To manage fuel levels, the pilot circled the airfield before retracting the remaining extended gear and performing an intentional wheels-up landing on the grass. The pilot sustained no injuries.
The investigation
An examination conducted by the Light Aircraft Association (LAA) focused on the mechanical state of the undercarriage. The investigation determined that the right main landing gear had become jammed within the wheel well.
Technical analysis revealed that the aperture for the right main landing gear wheel well was slightly undersized. This issue was compounded by a slight bend in the right main landing gear oleo and a displacement of the gear attachment bracket. Because the aircraft is a homebuilt model, the wheel wells had been cut using a template provided by the manufacturer.
Findings
- The right main landing gear failed to extend due to the gear becoming jammed in the wheel well.
- The undersized wheel well aperture, combined with a bent oleo and a displaced attachment bracket, prevented the gear from deploying.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the engine, propeller, and exhaust due to the shock-loading experienced during the landing.