What happened
On 15 March 2009, a Pitts S-1 aircraft, registration G-BXAU, was conducting a private flight at Little Rissington Airfield in Gloucestershire. After completing a local flight, the pilot performed an approach and go-around on Runway 22, followed by a second approach within the visual circuit. During the landing, the aircraft yawed into the wind, which triggered the collapse of the left main landing gear. This caused the left lower wingtip to strike the tarmac. The aircraft slid to a stop, and while the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller tips and the left landing gear leg, the pilot escaped the cockpit without injury. No fire occurred during the event.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined the wind conditions and runway selection. At the time of the accident, the surface wind was recorded at approximately 8 knots from a 310-degree direction. The investigation noted that while Runway 22 was being used by the Venture Gliding Squadron, other runways, specifically 27/09 and 32/14, were available for use. The investigators also reviewed the pilot's recent history, noting a similar landing accident in the same aircraft in July 2008, which had involved a crosswind from the right.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's decision to land on a runway that was not the most into-wind available.
- Using Runway 32 would have significantly reduced or eliminated the crosswind component.
- Although the aircraft is capable of handling crosswinds up to 17 knots, the selection of Runway 22 resulted in a yaw that the landing gear could not sustain.