Incident Overview
On 28 June 1998, a Piper PA-28-161, registration G-BRRM, was conducting a check flight with an instructor and an experienced private pilot. The flight included steep turns and a practice forced landing, followed by two circuits and landings at Rochester Airport. During climb-out after the second landing, a pilot on the ground reported to ATC that something had detached from the departing aircraft's landing gear. The crew then noticed buffeting that increased in severity over about one minute, accompanied by a loud banging noise.
Response and Diversion
The instructor took control and found the aircraft controllable. After discussion, they decided to return to Biggin Hill, considering its long hard runway and higher fire and rescue cover, as well as built-up areas near Rochester. Rochester ATC checked the runway for debris but found none. On transferring to Biggin Hill frequency, the instructor made a PAN call and informed ATC of the issue. The pilot-under-supervision reported that part of the left main landing gear wheel was periodically visible behind the left flap, which was dented and vibrating. The instructor routed over open country in case of a forced landing. During transit, the buffeting partially subsided, likely because the wheel fully detached and fell away.
Landing
Biggin Approach directed G-BRRM to squawk 7700. After briefing, the instructor conducted a flapless approach. In the flare, the crew shut off the fuel. The aircraft touched down and settled slowly to the left but remained partially steerable with rudder. After stopping, the crew evacuated normally, and emergency services were in attendance.
Post-Flight Examination
Examination of the left landing gear revealed that the upper half of the torque link was still attached, but the lower half was missing. The pivot bolt hole appeared undamaged. Over-extension of the oleo had sheared a seal retention ring in its housing, releasing the oleo and wheel. The components remained attached to the aircraft by the brake hose before detaching. This evidence suggested the pivot bolt had either broken or become insecure and was lost at or shortly after the last takeoff.