What happened
On 12 August 1998, a Schwiezer 269C-1, registration G-BXTL, was conducting a private training flight at Oxford Airport. The flight involved a student pilot and an instructor performing engine-off landing practice. The weather conditions were clear with a 15-knot westerly wind.
During the session, the student completed four approaches. While three of these landings were routine, one landing on the grass resulted in the aircraft yawing left and right while sliding along the ground. Following a brief discussion on the ground, the student attempted a spot turn and transitioned into a hover at approximately 10 feet. During this maneuver, a loud noise was heard. The instructor took command of the aircraft and performed an immediate landing on the grass. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the tail boom had collapsed.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft to determine the cause of the structural failure. The crew, consisting of two persons, sustained no injuries during the incident. An engineering inspection of the tail boom was conducted to identify any signs of fatigue or prior damage. The examination focused on the integrity of the attachment points connecting the boom to the main fuselage.
Findings
- The investigation established that the tail boom attachment fittings failed due to overload.
- There was no evidence of any pre-existing cracks or structural failures prior to the event.
- It was concluded that the damage likely occurred during the previous landing where the aircraft had experienced a ground slide.