Accident Overview
On 31 May 2010, at approximately 1330 UTC, a Bellanca 7GCBC Citabria (registration G-HUNI) experienced a landing gear failure while landing on Runway 07 at Henstridge Airfield in Somerset. The aircraft, manufactured in 1973 and powered by a single Lycoming O-320-A2B piston engine, was being operated on a private flight with one pilot and one passenger on board.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that weather conditions were good, with a surface wind from 060° at 5 knots, and that the approach and touchdown were normal. Immediately prior to the flight, the pilot had satisfactorily completed a proficiency check with an instructor. During the landing, the right main landing gear leg failed and detached from the aircraft. This caused the underside of the fuselage and the right wingtip to contact the runway. The aircraft veered to the right and came to rest beside the runway, facing in the opposite direction. Both occupants were uninjured and were able to vacate the aircraft unaided.
Examination of Landing Gear
The detached section of the steel landing gear leg was returned to the AAIB for examination. Inspection of the fracture surfaces revealed evidence of an approximately 15 mm deep pre-existing crack propagating from the rear edge of the gear leg. The crack surfaces in this region were heavily corroded, indicating that the crack had been present for some time prior to the failure.
Damage and Injuries
The landing gear, underside of the fuselage, propeller, and right wingtip were damaged. No injuries were sustained by the crew or passenger.
Pilot Information
The commander, aged 46, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had a total flying experience of 284 hours, of which 10 were on type. In the last 90 days he had flown 6 hours, and in the last 28 days, 1 hour.