What happened
On 6 March 2009, a Jodel D120 Paris-Nice, registration G-BKCW, was conducting a private flight for the purpose of pilot re-familiarisation. The pilot had not operated this specific aircraft since mid-December 2008. Following a departure from Perth Airport, the aircraft completed general handling exercises and practice circuits.
During the approach to Runway 2lag, the pilot reported a normal base leg and approach with no significant crosswind. The approach speed was 55 kt, and the aircraft touched down at 45 kt. Upon touchdown, the aircraft experienced a slight bounce, necessitating several rudder corrections to maintain the centreline. While the aircraft initially rolled straight, the speed decreased to approximately 30 kt when the left wing suddenly dropped. Despite the pilot applying opposing aileron and rudder, the aircraft turned 180 degrees and came to rest on the grass adjacent to the runway. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the aircraft and the failed landing gear component. The investigation focused on the tubular steel strut, which featured a streamlined aerofoil cross-section. The examination of the left landing gear leg revealed that the strut had buckled and folded inwards by approximately 60 degrees.
Findings
- The left landing gear strut failed due to buckling instability occurring just below its lower attachment point to the wing spar.
- There was no evidence of any prior defects or structural weakening in the material or the strut itself.
- The failure was caused by excessive side loading applied to the strut during the landing sequence.