History of the Flight
On 8 December 2009 at 0924 UTC, a Grob G115E Tutor (registration G-BYUW) was conducting a training flight at Peterborough (Conington) Airfield in Cambridgeshire. Following an uneventful flight, the student pilot began a glide approach toward Runway 28. The approach was normal, but upon touchdown, a noticeable airframe vibration occurred.
Instructor's Actions
The instructor took control of the aircraft and applied full engine power in an attempt to go around. As the aircraft pitched up, it rolled to the right. The instructor applied left aileron to compensate; he later described the aircraft's response as 'sluggish'. The aircraft then rolled and yawed slowly to the left. It appeared to the instructor that the aircraft was not responding to control inputs, so he aborted the takeoff.
Outcome
During the aborted takeoff, the aircraft's left wing contacted the runway, followed by the left mainwheel and then the right mainwheel, before the aircraft departed the runway surface to the right and came to rest. There was no fire. The student pilot and instructor were uninjured and exited the aircraft normally.
Examination
A subsequent examination of the aircraft did not reveal any pre-existing defects with the flying controls. The airframe vibration was determined to be due to nosewheel shimmy. The damage consisted of both wingtips and the left main landing gear leg.
Probable Cause
The source does not state a probable cause for the accident.