Landing gear collapse on Titan T-51 Mustang at Gloucestershire Airport

Casualties unknown • Gloucestershire Airport, Gloucestershire, GB

A private flight in a replica Mustang ended with a landing gear failure during the final stages of a landing roll, resulting in damage to the aircraft.

What happened

On 31 May 2017, a Titan T-51 Mustang, registration G-DHYS, was performing a private local flight at Gloucestershire Airport. The weather conditions were good with light winds. Following a standard landing on Runway 27, the pilot began applying brakes as the aircraft slowed to a speed of approximately 10-15 mph. During this low-speed phase of the rollout, the aircraft suddenly yawed to the left. The pilot attempted to correct the yaw using the right brake and right rudder, but was unable to maintain control. While the wings remained level during the initial yaw, the weight of the aircraft shifted onto the right main landing gear, causing the leg to collapse inwards. This movement caused the propeller and the right wingtip to strike the runway before the aircraft came to a complete stop. There were no injuries to the pilot.

The investigation

Investigators examined the wreckage of the Titan T- 51 Mustang to determine why the gear had failed. The inspection of the right main landing gear revealed that the torque links had buckled, which permitted the right main wheel to rotate inward. This rotation created an inward side-loading force on the landing gear leg. Additionally, the adjustable-body link on the right leg showed damage from excessive bending, occurring while the hydraulic actuator remained in the down position. The left landing gear components showed damage as a secondary result of the side-loading caused by the collapse of the right side. The investigation also noted that the kit manufacturer was aware of previous instances of gear collapse in this aircraft type, often attributed to improper adjustments of the adjustable-body link.

Findings

  • The right main landing gear leg collapsed during the final stages of a low-speed landing rollout.
  • The specific cause of the initial collapse could not be positively identified.
  • It is possible the right torque links failed first, allowing the wheel to rotate and create side-loading, or that the gear leg collapsed due to insufficient over-centre locking of the bellcrank.
  • The buckling of the torque links on the left side was a consequence of the right side's failure.

Probable cause

The investigation could not definitively determine whether the collapse was triggered by a failure of the torque links or an insufficient over-centre lock in the landing gear mechanism.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2017-05-31 Titan T-51 Mustang accident near Gloucestershire Airport, Gloucestershire, GB?

A private flight in a replica Mustang ended with a landing gear failure during the final stages of a landing roll, resulting in damage to the aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2017-05-31 involved a Titan T-51 Mustang, registration G-DHYS , at Gloucestershire Airport, Gloucestershire, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The investigation could not definitively determine whether the collapse was triggered by a failure of the torque links or an insufficient over-centre lock in the landing gear mechanism.

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