What happened
On 24 May 2009, a Europa XS with registration G-CCUL was performing a private flight near Rayne Hall Farm, Essex. While approaching Runway 09, the pilot completed standard landing checks, including a landing gear verification and a passenger cross-check. The aircraft touched down normally; however, as the aircraft settled on the runway, the pilot noted the aircraft was much closer to the ground than expected.
During the landing roll, a smell of burning rubber became noticeable in the cockpit, and a detached propeller blade was seen passing over the canopy. The pilot subsequently taxied the aircraft off the runway. Upon exiting, it was discovered that the landing gear had partially retracted, causing the tyre to rub against the wheel well structure.
The investigation
Following the incident, an inspection of the aircraft was conducted by the pilot and an LAA inspector. The investigation focused on the mechanical integrity of the landing gear system. This specific model features a single lever that operates the main wheel, flaps, and outrigers simultaneously. The mechanism uses a spring-loaded latch to secure the gear in the down position.
Engineers found no mechanical failures within the gear mechanism that would have caused an unintended retraction. Furthermore, there were no physical marks indicating that the gear lever had been forced or jumped out of its position during flight.