What happened
On Sunday, March 7, 2004, at approximately 15:00, a WAG-Aero DID AH 01 (registration F-PAJD) was involved in a ground accident at Berck aerodrome. The aircraft, an amateur-built model from 1998 with 369 total flight hours, was conducting an instructional flight with an instructor and a student pilot on board. Following a normal landing, the aircraft was taxiing toward the parking area when the left landing gear suddenly collapsed.
At the time of the event, weather conditions were reported as calm winds with a visibility of 7,000 meters and a temperature of 6°C. The aircraft was being operated as part of a flying club's activities.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the structural integrity of the landing gear assembly. Upon inspection of the aircraft, investigators determined that the left landing gear strut brace was broken. Examination of the fracture surface at the attachment weld revealed significant oxidation. The investigation established that the crack was not detectable without a highly specific and thorough inspection. No similar anomalies or structural issues were identified on the right landing gear.
Findings
- The primary cause of the gear collapse was the failure to detect corrosion within the landing gear assembly.
- The fracture occurred at the weld of the landing gear brace.
- The aircraft's restricted certificate of airworthiness was valid at the time of the accident.
- Maintenance for the aircraft was performed by a member of the flying club.
- The aircraft was stored in a hangar located approximately three kilometers from the sea, an environment that may contribute to oxidation.