What happened
On 25 July 2001, a Piper PA-28R-200, registration G-FULL, departed Stapleford Aerodrome for a private pleasure flight bound for Lydd-Ashford Airport. Shortly after takeoff from Runway 04L, the pilot attempted to retract the landing gear at an altitude of 200 feet. During this process, the 'gear in transit' light remained illuminated, indicating a malfunction.
The pilot climbed to 2,000 feet to troubleshoot the issue, performing multiple cycles of the gear extension and retraction. Despite these attempts, only the nose and right main gear legs reached the down and locked position. After notifying the Staple 04L radio operator, the pilot performed an emergency gear extension procedure, which failed to lower the left-hand leg. A visual inspection, assisted by a nearby helicopter, confirmed that the left gear remained retracted while the other components functioned normally.
Following guidance from the airfield, the pilot performed a low pass for inspection and eventually executed a planned wheels-up landing on the grass of Runway 22R. There were no injuries to the pilot or the two passengers, and all occupants evacuated the aircraft safely.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft and the mechanical state of the landing gear assembly. The inspection of the Piper PA-28R-200 revealed significant damage, including a shock-loaded engine, a bent propeller, and impact damage to the underside of the fuselage.
Technical analysis focused on the left-hand landing gear mechanism. Maintenance records and physical inspections identified a critical failure within the torque link assembly. Specifically, the bolt connecting the two arms of the torque link on the left-hand leg had failed. Although the failed bolt was not recovered for detailed forensic analysis, its absence from the assembly was central to the malfunction.