Ground loop causes landing gear collapse of Jodel DR1050 at Luleå

Casualties unknown • Accident at Luleå/Kallax Airport with the Aircraft D-ELSO, type Jodel DR1050, SE

A private flight involving a Jodel DR1050 ended in a ground loop and landing gear failure during landing at Luleå/Kallax Airport.

What happened

On August 2, 1995, at approximately 20:24 local time, a Jodel DR105 and DR1050 (registration D-ELSO) was completing a private flight from Skellefteå to Luleå/Kallax Airport. The weather conditions at the time of the incident were favorable, with good visibility and no cloud cover below 5,000 feet.

Upon landing, the aircraft traveled approximately 600 meters down the runway before the pilot noticed the plane began swerving toward the left. In an attempt to maintain the centerline, the pilot applied a corrective input to the right. This maneuver caused the aircraft to enter a ground loop. During the rotation, the structural integrity of the landing gear failed, resulting in the collapse of both main wheels. The aircraft subsequently slid on its belly, sustaining damage to the left wing and the propeller tips.

The investigation

The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority (SHK) examined the sequence of events following the landing gear failure. The investigation focused on the pilot's control inputs and the mechanical response of the aircraft during the swerve and subsequent loop.

Probable cause

The pilot's excessive rightward steering correction caused the main landing gear to succumb to heavy shear loads, resulting in a ground loop and gear collapse.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-08-02 aircraft accident near Accident at Luleå/Kallax Airport with the Aircraft D-ELSO, type Jodel DR1050, SE?

A private flight involving a Jodel DR1050 ended in a ground loop and landing gear failure during landing at Luleå/Kallax Airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-08-02 involved a aircraft, registration D-ELSO, at Accident at Luleå/Kallax Airport with the Aircraft D-ELSO, type Jodel DR1050, SE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's excessive rightward steering correction caused the main landing gear to succumb to heavy shear loads, resulting in a ground loop and gear collapse.

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