What happened
On 11 September 2011, a Pietenpol Air Camper, registration G-PIET, was performing a private flight at Panshanger Airfield in Hertfordshire. During the landing sequence on the grass Runway 11, the aircraft's right landing gear collapsed. This structural failure caused the propeller to make contact with the ground, resulting in damage to both the propeller and the right landing gear assembly.
Prior to the collapse, the pilot had performed a previous landing at the airfield which was described as a heavy landing involving a bounce, necessitating a go-around. The pilot noted that the approach for the final landing was normal and relatively smooth.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The inquiry focused on the sequence of events leading to the gear failure and the condition of the aircraft following the heavy landing attempt. The pilot suggested that the collapse might have been the result of overstressing the landing gear during the preceding heavy landing and subsequent bounce.
Findings
- The right landing gear failed upon landing on the grass runway.
- The impact caused the propeller to strike the ground.
- There was no injury to the pilot and no passengers were on board.
- The pilot had 820 total flying hours, with 10 hours specifically on this aircraft type.