What happened
On 18 February 2001, a Denney Kitfox MK4, registration G-BUYK, was conducting a private pleasure flight near Tassneh, Armagh. While cruising at approximately 3,000 feet, the pilot noted that the Rotax 912-UL engine had begun running roughly. After reviewing the engine instruments, the pilot determined that a precautionary landing was necessary.
The pilot identified a suitable large field and executed a 3-point landing into the wind at roughly 30 mph. While the aircraft was decelerating toward a stop, it suddenly cartwheeled to the right and came to a halt in a nosed-forward position. There were no injuries to the pilot or the two passengers on board.
The investigation
Following the incident, the pilot reported the accident via an Aircraft Accident Report Form. An examination of the aircraft revealed damage to the right wing tip and the right landing gear. Investigators determined that the right landing gear axle had failed because a weld had fractured. This structural failure caused the right wheel to collapse, which subsequently led to the wing tip striking the ground and initiating the cartwheel.