What happened
On 16 December 2002, a Rutan Long-EZ, registration G-BMUG, was performing a private flight when it experienced a landing gear failure at Perth Airport, Scotland. The pilot had completed all necessary pre-approach checks, which included the deployment of the landing gear. While the initial touchdown appeared normal, the aircraft's nose gear retracted as the airspeed decreased and the pilot lowered the nose. This caused the aircraft to adopt a nose-down attitude, leading to rapid deceleration and contact between the fuselage and the runway. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, though the lower surface of the fuselage sustained minor damage and abrasions.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical operation of the retractable nose landing gear. On this specific aircraft, the nose gear is designed to be retracted in the parking position to facilitate cockpit access, while it is mechanically extended for takeoff and landing operations. The investigation established that the gear is held in the extended position by a landing gear selection lever, which is secured in place by a piece of bungee cord rather than a formal locking mechanism.
During the landing roll, the pilot and passenger noted that the gear warning horn and light only activated once the aircraft's nose had already made contact with the runway. Based on these observations, the pilot determined that the bungee cord had likely failed to secure the selection lever, allowing the gear to revert to its retracted parking position during the landing sequence.