What happened
On 16 April 2007, a Europa (monowheel) homebuilt aircraft, registration G-SHSH, was performing a private flight at Rochester Airport in Kent. The pilot was conducting the final of three circuits on Runway 02R, having recently returned from the Isle of Wight. The approach was maintained at a speed between 55 kt and 65 kt.
During the landing roll, the aircraft struck a rut located at the intersection of Runways 02 and 34. This impact caused the monowheel landing gear to unlock and subsequently collapse. The resulting impact caused damage to the propeller and the underside of the fuselage. Following the collapse, the pilot observed smoke and promptly secured and evacuated the aircraft. Airport emergency services attended the scene and assisted in the recovery of the aircraft. No injuries were reported.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the landing gear failure and the condition of the runway surface. It was determined that the smoke observed by the pilot was not caused by a fire, but rather by the mainwheel tyre rubbing against its housing during the incident. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience and the flight parameters leading up to the touchdown.