Incident Overview
On 14 May 2000 at 1730 hours UTC, a private flight of an Auster AOP 9 aircraft, registration G-AVXY, ended with a landing gear detachment at Wydmerpool Airfield near Nottingham. The aircraft, manufactured in 1960 and powered by a single Blackburn Bombardier 20801 piston engine, was conducting a private flight with one pilot and one passenger on board. Neither occupant reported any injuries.
Aircraft and Flight Details
The commander, aged 39, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 116 total flying hours, of which 11 were on the Auster AOP 9 type. In the preceding 90 days, he had flown 11 hours, and in the last 28 days, 3 hours. The aircraft was operating on Runway 09, a dry grass strip at the private airfield. The wind was calm, visibility and cloud conditions were CAVOK, and the surface temperature was +20°C.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the approach was normal and the landing was moderate, with a slight bounce after touchdown. During the subsequent landing roll, a loud 'thud' was heard from beneath the aircraft. Immediately after the sound, the aircraft veered to the right, and the pilot was unable to correct the deviation. The aircraft came to rest beyond the right edge of the runway, on a heading of approximately 170° magnetic, with the left wing down and the left landing gear detached. The pilot and passenger vacated the aircraft via the right door after selecting the fuel and electrical systems to OFF.
Damage and Outcome
The left landing gear was detached from the aircraft. The left wing and propeller sustained damage, and the engine was shock loaded. The pilot reported being at a loss to explain why the aircraft veered to the right when the left landing gear had collapsed. The AAIB conducted enquiries based on the pilot's Aircraft Accident Report Form and other investigations.
Probable Cause
No probable cause was stated in the source.