What happened
On 9 June 2013, a Lancair 320, registration G-PJMT, was performing a private flight when it arrived at Exeter Airport. The aircraft touched down on the runway without the pilot applying any braking. During the deceleration phase, the pilot realized the aircraft was drifting toward the left edge of the runway. To maintain a straight track, the pilot applied full right rudder and steady right braking.
As the aircraft continued along the runway, the left main landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to exit the paved surface and come to rest in long grass approximately 15 meters from the runway edge. The aircraft ended up resting on its left wing, with both the left and right landing gear partially collapsed. Despite the impact, there were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger. Following the stop, the pilot completed standard shutdown procedures and exited the aircraft.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft and found scrape marks on the runway and the base of the rudder. While the nose gear functioned correctly, the left brake unit showed evidence of the left main landing gear leg failure.
Detailed inspection revealed that the upper attachment point for the left main gear over-centre link had failed. Further analysis of the component showed a discrepancy between the physical part and the official design drawings. The part was fitted with a male rod end bearing, whereas the design specifications required a female rod end bearing. This deviation from the design was believed to have compromised the part's fore/aft strength. The failure was suspected to have originated from a drilling intended to accommodate a microswitch-operating roll pin.
Findings
- The left main landing gear leg collapsed due to the failure of the upper attachment point of the over-centre link.
- The part was incorrectly fitted with a male rod end bearing instead of the specified female rod end bearing, which reduced its structural strength.
- The failure likely originated from a drilling error made to accommodate a microswitch-operating roll pin.