What happened
On 6 August 2000, a Nord 1002, registration G-ETME, was conducting a private flight at White Waltham Airfield in Berkshire. Following a brief period of flight, the pilot initiated a standard approach via the overhead for a right-hand circuit to Runway 29. The weather conditions at the time were favorable, characterized by good visibility and light, variable winds.
As the aircraft transitioned to the final approach, the pilot noted that the approach appeared normal and the threshold was crossed at the expected speed. However, during the flare, the aircraft was held too high, leading to a firm touchdown. The aircraft traveled straight along the runway for roughly 200 metres. At a speed of approximately 15 knots, the left landing gear leg separated from the structure, collapsing rearwards. This caused the left wing to strike the ground, prompting the aircraft to pivot around the point of contact. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, though the aircraft sustained damage to the gear structure, the left flap, and the left aileron.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of the landing and the mechanical state of the landing gear. The pilot noted that while the setting sun had caused some visual difficulty during the turn onto final approach, he did not identify this as a contributing factor to the landing error.
Findings
- The primary cause of the gear failure was the firm touchdown resulting from an excessive flare height.
- The impact of the landing led to the rearward separation of the left gear leg.
- The aircraft's momentum caused the left wing to contact the runway surface as the aircraft pivoted.