What happened
On 8 March 2012, a BAE Systems Jetstream 31, registration G-CCPW, was performing a commercial passenger flight from Leeds Bradford International Airport to Isle of Man Airport. During the landing on Runway 26, the aircraft's right main landing gear failed immediately upon touchdown. The failure caused the aircraft to lean heavily to the right, accompanied by an unusual noise.
As the aircraft slowed, the right engine and propeller blades sustained damage after contacting the runway surface. The aircraft subsequently left the paved surface, yawing to the right and sliding sideways before coming to rest on the grass adjacent to the runway. The crew and 12 passengers were able to evacuate the aircraft without any injuries.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined the structural integrity of the landing gear and the flight data recorded by the onboard recorders. Investigators focused on the forward yoke pintle of the right main landing gear. Metallurgical examinations conducted by QinetiQ and the Royal Navy's 1710 Naval Air Squadron revealed that a crack had initiated at the top outer edge of the pintle.
Analysis of the failure showed that the crack was driven by intergranular corrosion. The investigation also looked into the maintenance history of the landing gear components and the effectiveness of existing inspection protocols. Additionally, the investigation reviewed the response of the Airport Fire and Rescue Service (AFRS) and the communication between the Air Traffic Control Officer and the emergency services.