Incident Overview
On 15 September 2001 at 1720 hours, a Europa aircraft, registration G-JAMY, landed at Kirknewton, Edinburgh following a normal approach with landing gear and flap selected down. The touchdown was uneventful, but shortly afterwards the monowheel main landing gear retracted, causing the aircraft to roll on the partially retracted mainwheel. The aircraft came to a halt with minor damage to the propeller, and the pilot vacated the aircraft uninjured. There was one passenger on board who was also uninjured.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a Europa (year of manufacture 2001), was powered by a single Rotax 912S engine. The pilot, aged 26, held a Private Pilot's Licence (A) and had a total flying experience of 116 hours, of which 25 hours were on type. In the last 90 days he had flown 25 hours, and in the last 28 days, 6 hours.
Landing Gear System
The Europa landing gear is locked in the down position using an over-centre mechanism. The investigation noted that if play exists between the landing gear retraction arm and the retraction lever, it is possible for the retraction arm to move sufficiently for the landing gear to retract on the ground even though the retraction lever is in the down and locked position. With the gear locked down, the lever should be in full contact with the front of the down-gate; any gap between the lever and the gate when the gear is down can indicate play in the mechanism.
Available Modification
A modification is available that links the retraction arm and the retraction lever by means of a strut, creating a more rigid assembly. The manufacturer advised that this modification would soon be included in all new Europa monowheel construction kits.