What happened
On 14 June 2022, a Piper PA-34-200T, registration G-RVNO, was performing a private flight when it experienced an accident during landing at Hawarden Airport. The approach to Runway 04 was conducted with a 14-knot crosswind. While the pilot initially described the approach as stable, the aircraft's speed appeared excessive at approximately 50 feet above the ground. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced and subsequently made contact with the runway roughly 30 meters further down the strip.
Following the bounce, the aircraft swung violently to the right. In an attempt to steer the aircraft away from runway lights and signage, the pilot applied significant left rudder input. During this sequence, the pilot also cut the fuel, mixture, and propeller controls. Shortly after these actions, the right main landing gear collapsed. The aircraft sustained damage to the fuselage, wing, and landing gear, but the pilot escaped no injuries.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation focused on the mechanical state of the aircraft and the pilot's control inputs. Examination of the aircraft by the operator revealed that the right main landing gear side brace had failed due to an overload. Additionally, investigators noted that the left propeller had feathered, suggesting that the pilot likely moved the power levers inadvertently while attempting to manage the aircraft's direction.
Findings
- The primary cause of the landing gear failure was an overload of the right main landing gear side brace.
- The pilot's lack of effective crosswind technique contributed to the loss of directional control.
- The pilot failed to initiate a go-around despite recognizing the aircraft was approaching the runway at an excessive speed.