What happened
On 19 April 2016, a Pietenpol Air Camper, registration G-OFFA, was performing a private flight from Bicester to Turweston Aerodrome in Northamptonshire. The pilot initiated a straight-in approach to Runway 27, noting turbulent wind conditions during the flare. While the initial touchdown on the runway was normal and without crabbing, the aircraft began to decelerate on all three landing gears.
As the airspeed dropped below 30 kt, a sudden gust of wind from the right side caused the aircraft to weathercock. Despite the pilot applying full rudder, the aircraft's control authority was insufficient to counteract the wind. The aircraft turned 45 degrees to the right, causing the right wing to lift. This movement induced a skid to the left, which placed a heavy lateral load on the left landing gear leg. At approximately 10 kt, the left gear collapsed, and the aircraft came to a stop roughly 5 meters to the right of the runway. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, engine, left wing tip, and left landing gear leg.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight history, weather conditions, and the mechanical state of the aircraft following the incident. The pilot provided the primary account of the event. Investigators reviewed the wind information available to the pilot, noting that prior to departure from Bicester, the pilot had received ATIS from Kidlington indicating a wind of 360°/9 kt. Based on subsequent updates, the pilot had anticipated wind speeds of only 5 kt at Turweston.
Findings
- The wind at Turweston was at a 90-degree angle to the landing direction.
- The actual wind speed was higher than the pilot had anticipated for the landing.
- A sudden gust of wind from the right caused the aircraft to weathercock and the right wing to lift, leading to the lateral loading that collapsed the landing gear.