What happened
On 1 July 2006, a Nord NC858S, registration G-BPZD, arrived at London City Airport to assist with a charity air display. The flight, which was a private operation, proceeded normally through the approach to Runway 1 to a three-point landing. However, immediately upon touchdown, the aircraft veered toward the right side of the runway.
In an effort to correct the aircraft's direction and return to the centerline, the pilot utilized left rudder and the left wheelbrake. This action resulted in the aircraft tipping forward onto its nose, causing the tail to lift into the air. During this movement, the propeller blades struck the runway surface and broke off. The aircraft continued to pitch forward until the engine cowling made contact with the ground. The tail subsequently dropped back down, coming to a rapid halt while pointing slightly left of the centerline. The impact caused the right landing gear leg to collapse underneath the fuselage.
There were no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board, and both were able to exit the aircraft via their doors without assistance.
The investigation
The investigation examined the mechanical state of the landing gear and the pilot's actions following the veer. Inspections of the gas-filled oleo strut revealed that the component had snapped and one of its supports had bent. No evidence of corrosion or fatigue was found at the point of failure.
The investigation also considered the pilot's recent flying history. While the pilot had significant experience in tail-wheeled aircraft, most of that experience involved operating from grass airfields. The investigation noted that the aircraft's brakes were highly effective, and the pilot's experience with different runway surfaces may have influenced his braking technique.
Findings
- The primary cause of the gear failure was the excessive application of the left brake, which created a sudden deceleration and lateral force that exceeded the design limits of the right landing gear leg.
- The pilot's attempt to correct the rightward veer led to an uncontrolled rise of the tail, resulting in propeller damage.
- The pilot's frequent use of grass runways likely contributed to the heavy-handed application of brakes on the hard surface of London City Airport.
- There was no evidence of mechanical fatigue or corrosion contributing to the collapse of the oleo strut.