Incident Overview
On 6 March 2005, a Cessna A185F (registration G-BKPC), operated by the Black Knights Parachute Centre, was conducting a parachute drop flight from Cockerham. The aircraft was piloted by a 63-year-old private pilot with 4,000 total flying hours, including 2,805 hours on type. The aircraft had been loaded with sufficient fuel for two flights, and the first flight carried five parachutists along with the pilot.
Sequence of Events
During the takeoff roll on Runway 27, the low sun was almost directly in line with the departure direction, impairing forward visibility. Immediately before the aircraft became airborne, the left main landing gear (MLG) wheel struck an obstruction to the left of the runway. The impact caused the MLG mounting structure in the fuselage to fail, resulting in the detachment of the left gear assembly along with a portion of the fuselage structure. The departing gear struck and damaged the outboard section of the left horizontal stabilizer leading edge.
Landing and Response
The pilot declared an emergency and elected to land at Barton Aerodrome, where the aircraft was maintained. The five parachutists successfully completed their parachute descents, after which the pilot burned off most of the fuel prior to landing. Barton activated its Aircraft Accident Imminent Procedure, which included full alerting of external and airfield fire and emergency services, and the recall of all locally operating aircraft (two diverted). The local police helicopter, advised via Manchester Airport ATC, escorted the aircraft from 1633 hrs as it commenced its approach to Runway 27L at Barton. During the landing roll, the left wing contacted the ground, causing the aircraft to slew left. Emergency crews arrived within approximately 10 seconds; there was no fire, and the pilot easily vacated the aircraft.
Examination
A subsequent examination of the aircraft showed that the failure of the left MLG mounting structure resulted from overload.