What happened
On 26 May 1999, at approximately 1815 UTC, a Currie Wot, registration G-CWBM, was conducting a private flight when it arrived at Headcorn (Lashenden), Kent. The aircraft landed on Runway 29, which featured a dry grass surface that was noted to be in good condition. During the landing sequence, the pilot experienced a heavy landing, which subsequently caused the right main landing gear to collapse. Following the gear failure, the aircraft veered off the runway to the right.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. The examination of the event established that the weather conditions at the time were good, with light surface winds. The pilot, who was flying under a Private Pilot's Licence, was wearing full upper torso restraint during the flight. The impact resulted in damage to the underside of the right wing leading edge and the collapse of the right main landing gear.
Findings
- The primary cause of the gear collapse was a heavy landing.
- The aircraft veered from the runway following the structural failure of the landing gear.
- There were no injuries to the pilot following the incident.