History of the Flight
On 14 June 2022 at 1610 UTC, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration G-RVNO) conducted a normal approach to Runway 04 at Hawarden Airport with a crosswind of 14 kt. The pilot reduced power and flared for landing, but the aircraft bounced and touched down approximately 30 m further along the runway. Following touchdown, the aircraft swung sharply to the right. The pilot applied left rudder to correct, but as the aircraft neared the runway edge, he increased left rudder input to avoid runway lights and signs. He then cut the mixtures, propellers, and fuel. Shortly after, the right main landing gear leg collapsed, and the aircraft came to a stop. The aircraft sustained damage to the right main landing gear, wing, and fuselage. The pilot was uninjured.
Pilot’s Comments
The pilot reported that the aircraft was correctly configured for landing and the approach appeared good until about 50 ft above ground level, when the speed seemed slightly high. In hindsight, he felt a go-around should have been considered. He attributed the accident to his lack of crosswind technique and stated that more coordinated use of ailerons and rudder would have resulted in a more controlled and directionally stable landing.
Aircraft Examination
The aircraft operator recovered and examined the aircraft after the accident. The right main landing gear side brace had failed in overload, allowing the gear to collapse. A post-accident photograph showed the left propeller feathered, likely inadvertently while the pilot moved the power levers during the accident sequence.