What happened
On 11 August 2014, a Cessna 172S, registration A6-FAA, was conducting a training flight at Fujairah International Airport under the operation of Fujairah Aviation Academy. During the flight, an instructor initiated a simulated engine failure exercise. While attempting to manage the descent and prepare for a go-around, the aircraft touched down on its right-hand main landing gear and bounced.
Upon this impact, the right-hand main landing gear separated from the aircraft. The instructor, realizing the gear had detached, continued the climb and declared a Mayday. Following several subsequent go-around attempts, the aircraft eventually touched down on the left-hand main landing gear and the nose gear. During the deceleration phase, the aircraft's right wing and horizontal stabilizer made contact with the runway surface as the plane drifted toward the right. The aircraft eventually came to a stop just off the runway shoulder. There were no injuries to the two crew members on board.
The investigation
Investigators from the GCAA AAIS examined the wreckage and the runway surface, noting three distinct witness marks left by the aircraft's right wing, horizontal stabilizer, and belly. The detached right-hand main landing gear was recovered from the runway. The investigation focused on determining whether the separation was caused by an instantaneous overload or by fatigue or corrosion within the landing gear assembly. Meteorological conditions and navigation aids were ruled out as contributing factors.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the separation of the right-hand main landing gear following a bounced touchdown during a simulated engine failure maneuver.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the right-hand horizontal stabilizer, the right side of the undercarriage, and the control surfaces due to contact with the runway.
- The aircraft's fuel tanks and cockpit remained intact throughout the event.