What happened
On 12 June 2004, a Jabiru UL-450, registration G-BZYK, was completing a private flight from the Isle of Wight to Redhill Aerodrome in Surrey. The weather conditions at the time were favorable, though characterized by a strong north-westerly breeze.
After performing a standard landing on Runway 26L, the pilot attempted to taxi toward Runway 19. During the left turn required for this maneuver, the left main landing gear suddenly collapsed. This caused the left wingtip to make contact with the ground. The pilot immediately shut down the engine, and no injuries were reported. The aircraft sustained damage specifically to the left main landing gear.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's landing gear assembly, which consists of composite legs attached to the glassfibre fuselage by three bolts. The inspection revealed that an attachment bolt within the left main landing gear had failed.
During the inquiry, it was noted that this was not an isolated incident for this aircraft type. Previous investigations by the AAIB had documented similar landing gear collapses in Jabiru aircraft within the UK. Specifically, a prior report involving registration G-JUDD had identified fatigue damage in a similar attachment bolt.
At the time of the accident, the Popular Flying Association (PFA)—which manages airworthiness for these kit-built aircraft in the UK—had already issued guidance to prevent such failures. This guidance included advice on landing techniques, the necessity of maintaining bolt tightness (particularly following heavy landings), and instructions for approved structural modifications, such as upgrading the rear attachment bolts from size AN5 to AN6.