What happened
On 31 January 2009, a Piper PA-25-235 Pawnee, registration G-BFPR, was conducting a private flight at Bicester Airfield in Oxfordshire. While the pilot was performing an approach to Runway 13, the aircraft encountered an unexpected increase in the rate of descent. This was attributed to a wind condition of 15 knots originating from 110°.
As the aircraft proceeded through the ground roll following touchdown, the pilot observed that the aircraft's attitude was uneven, with the right wing sitting lower than the left. This imbalance was caused by the failure of the bungee component within the right main landing gear leg.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the landing gear assembly during the landing phase. The AAIB examined the circumstances surrounding the approach and the subsequent ground roll. The investigation established that the aircraft was operating under a private flight permit and that the pilot had significant experience, including 225 hours on this specific aircraft type. The investigation confirmed that the descent rate during the approach was higher than usual due to the prevailing wind conditions at the time of the incident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the aircraft's uneven attitude during the landing roll was the failure of the right main landing gear leg bungee.
- A heavier than normal rate of descent occurred during the approach to Runway 13, influenced by a 15-knot wind from 110°.
- The incident resulted in damage to the aircraft's landing gear, but there were no injuries to the pilot.