Landing gear seizure leads to damage during Europa test flight

Casualties unknown • Near Kemble Airfield, Gloucestershire, GB

A Europa aircraft sustained damage during a landing at Kemble Airfield after the landing gear became stuck in a near-retracted position.

What happened

On 23 May 2007, a Europa aircraft, registration G-BWIJ, was conducting a series of test flights near Kemble Airfield in Gloucestershire. The flight was part of a sequence of trials intended to facilitate the issuance of the aircraft's first Permit to Fly. Shortly after departing the runway, the pilot attempted to retract the landing gear, but the control lever became immobile in the retracted position.

During the downwind leg of the circuit, the pilot observed that the landing gear lever could no longer be moved to the extended position. Air traffic control noted that the gear appeared to be in its normal retracted state, with the tyre visible rubbing against the wheel well. In an attempt to free the mechanism, the pilot performed various manoeuvres, including positive and negative 'g' loading and inducing adverse yaw, but these efforts failed to release the gear.

Ultimately, the pilot performed a flapless landing using a high-friction section of the runway to assist in stopping. While the aircraft came to a halt without fire, smoke was observed in the cockpit area. The landing resulted in the main wheel being forced upward into the wheel well, minor damage to the left outrigger and lower fuselage, and slight damage to the propeller blade tips. No injuries were reported.

The investigation

An engineering examination of the landing gear system was conducted. Investigators discovered that the aluminium bronze pivot bearings, which allow the main gear swinging arm to rotate, had seized onto the steel shaft of the mounting frame. Physical evidence showed aluminium bronze material had transferred onto the steel shaft, and corrosion was present on the shaft itself.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the gear seizure was the seizure of the aluminium bronze pivot bearings onto the steel shaft.
  • The aircraft had been transported via an open trailer during a heavy rainstorm prior to the flight.
  • The aircraft was stored for approximately two months in an unheated, uncovered facility while awaiting radiator upgrades.
  • It is possible that exposure to moisture during transport and subsequent storage contributed to the corrosion found on the steel shaft.

Probable cause

The landing gear became stuck because the aluminium bronze pivot bearings seized onto the steel shaft of the mounting frame, likely due to corrosion following exposure to heavy rain during transport and subsequent storage in an unheated facility.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2007-05-23 Europa accident near Near Kemble Airfield, Gloucestershire, GB?

A Europa aircraft sustained damage during a landing at Kemble Airfield after the landing gear became stuck in a near-retracted position.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2007-05-23 involved a Europa, registration G-BWIJ, at Near Kemble Airfield, Gloucestershire, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The landing gear became stuck because the aluminium bronze pivot bearings seized onto the steel shaft of the mounting frame, likely due to corrosion following exposure to heavy rain during transport and subsequent storage in an unheated facility.

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