Accident Details
On 22 July 2006, at approximately 1345 hours UTC, a Piper PA-15 (registration G-ALGA) sustained damage to its left main landing gear and propeller during a training flight at a farm strip east of Fenland in Marshland, Suffolk. The sole occupant, a 69-year-old private pilot with 760 hours total flying experience (30 hours on type), was not injured.
History of the Flight
The pilot reported a normal approach to Runway 03, a grass surface 850 m in length. Weather conditions were benign with good visibility and a slightly gusty north-westerly wind at about 5 kt. The pilot flew the approach with left wing slightly low and touched down slightly left of the runway centreline. The left main landing gear failed at the shock strut end fitting as the left main landing gear and tail wheel touched down. The pilot heard a "crack" and the left main landing gear immediately folded outwards. The propeller tips contacted the ground and detached, followed by the left wing tip striking the ground. The aircraft slid a short distance and came to rest on the left wing tip, right main landing gear, and tail wheel. The pilot switched off the ignition and fuel and exited without difficulty. There was no fire.
Engineering Examination
Examination revealed that the collapse of the left landing gear was caused by the shock strut lower end fitting pulling from the strut. The lower end fitting, secured by a bolt, is under tensile load while on the ground. The securing bolt hole had become elongated in the direction of the load before failing in tensile overload. A review of the aircraft logbook did not identify when the component was fitted, but its general condition indicated it had been installed for a considerable time. The damage could not be seen with the fitting attached, and there is no requirement to remove the fitting from the shock strut for inspection.