What happened
On 9 November 2013, a Rans S7 Courier, registration G-CBNF, was performing a private flight when it experienced a loss of airspeed during its approach to Netherly Airstrip in Aberde/shire. As the aircraft neared the grass runway, the rate of descent increased. Despite the pilot's attempts to compensate by applying power, the aircraft made a heavy touchdown.
Upon impact, the right main landing gear wheel detached from the aircraft. This caused the plane to veer toward the right side of the strip. As the aircraft reached the edge of the airfield, the right gear leg became embedded in soft ground, leading the aircraft to invert. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained minor injuries and were able to exit the aircraft safely.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination of the wreckage revealed damage to the propeller, the engine (which had been shock-loaded), the right aileron, and the wing. The investigation focused on the flight parameters during the final approach and the physical mechanics of the landing gear failure.