History of the Flight
The pilot was returning to Redhill from a flight to the Isle of Wight. Weather conditions were good with a strong north-westerly breeze. According to the pilot, a normal landing was made on Runway 26L. However, during the left turn to taxi along Runway 19, the left main landing gear collapsed, causing the left wingtip to slowly contact the ground. The pilot promptly switched off the engine, and no additional damage occurred.
Aircraft Examination
Inspection revealed that an attachment bolt in the left main landing gear had failed. The main landing gear legs on this aircraft are of composite construction and are attached to the glassfibre fuselage underside using three bolts. The inboard bolt passes through a bushing, while the outboard bolts are unbushed and pass through a protective rubber strip and a clamp bar.
Previous Occurrences
The AAIB noted several similar incidents involving landing gear collapse on Jabiru aircraft in the UK, with prior reports published in AAIB Bulletins. The most comprehensive report, in Bulletin 10/2002, concerned Jabiru G-JUDD, which also experienced a landing gear collapse while taxiing. In that case, the failed attachment bolt exhibited evidence of fatigue damage.
Following the G-JUDD incident, the Popular Flying Association (PFA), which oversees airworthiness for kit-built aircraft in the UK, issued advice on preventing Jabiru landing gear failures. Their recommendations included landing technique suggestions and approved modifications to strengthen the gear, such as upgrading the rear attachment bolts from AN5 to AN6. The PFA also emphasized maintaining bolt tightness, particularly after heavy landings, and retorquing as necessary.