Aircraft and Flight Details
The incident involved a Piper PA-28R-201, registration G-WAMS, powered by a single Lycoming IO-360-C1C6 piston engine. The aircraft was manufactured in 2001 (serial number 2844050). The flight was a private return from a cross-channel trip, landing at Stapleford Aerodrome, Essex, on 10 August 2023 at 1525 UTC. On board were a pilot (the commander, holding a Commercial Pilot's Licence, aged 23 with 1,420 total hours, 50 on type) and one passenger.
Incident Sequence
During the landing roll, as the aircraft slowed to approximately 30 knots, the aircraft tilted to the right. The pilot initially suspected a flat tyre, but then the right wingtip dropped and contacted the runway, causing the aircraft to slew right and depart the paved surface. The pilot secured the aircraft and both occupants evacuated safely. No injuries were reported. Damage was limited to the right wingtip underside and a bent flap.
Cause of Landing Gear Collapse
Before landing, the pilot had configured the aircraft with the landing gear down and locked. During touchdown, the passenger—also a qualified pilot occupying the left seat—dropped a tablet device into the footwell. Concerned that the device might interfere with the rudder pedals, the passenger hastily retrieved it. In doing so, they inadvertently knocked the landing gear selector out of its guard towards the gear up position. Although the passenger immediately repositioned the selector, the landing gear had already unlocked, leading to the collapse of the right main gear.
Pilot's Comments and Mitigation
The pilot noted that for general pleasure flights in complex aircraft, passengers will occupy the right seat in the future. Additionally, the pilot will brief passengers to stow and secure loose items before critical phases of flight and to inform the pilot if they interact with any aircraft controls during the flight.