What happened
On 22 May 2012, a Pulsar XP, registration G-BUZB, was performing a private landing at a 500-metre grass airstrip located near Lymm, Cheshire. The weather conditions at the time featured a westerly wind of approximately 10 knots, blowing directly along the east-west orientation of the airstrip.
As the aircraft touched down, the pilot noted a slight impact on the left landing gear. Immediately following this, the aircraft rolled to an abrupt stop within roughly half of its typical landing distance. During this deceleration, the aircraft pitched forward onto its nose. The impact resulted in damage to the propeller, the underside of the fuselage, and the left landing gear. The engine, which was at idle power, ceased running as the propeller broke. The pilot was able to secure the aircraft and exit the cockpit without injury.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sudden failure of the left landing gear leg and the subsequent nose-over. Investigators examined the aircraft and the landing surface for potential causes. There was no significant crosswind recorded during the landing, and a subsequent inspection of the grass strip revealed no visible holes, ruts, or irregularities that could have caused the gear to catch.
Findings
- The left landing gear leg failed during the landing roll.
- It is suspected that the gear leg had been subjected to an undetected sideways load or that the wheel had encountered a hidden surface irregularity at the moment of touchdown.
- There were no injuries to the pilot.