What happened
On 25 July 2012, a Silence Twister, registration G-TWIS, was conducting a private flight at Henstridge, Somerset. During the approach to Runway 25, the pilot performed a steep descent with the throttle closed. As the aircraft entered the flare, the pilot applied a small amount of power to stabilize the descent.
However, the aircraft touched down with significant force on the right landing gear. This heavy impact caused the right landing gear leg attachment to break, resulting in the gear collapsing. The impact also caused structural scrapes to the right wingtip, the aileron, and the flap. There were no injuries to the pilot, and the aircraft sustained damage but remained on the airfield.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The inquiry examined the flight parameters leading up to the touchdown, specifically focusing on the approach profile and the pilot's management of airspeed and descent rate. The investigation noted that the pilot's experience on this specific aircraft type was limited, with only two hours of flight time on the model prior to the event.
Findings
- The primary cause of the gear collapse was a heavy landing on the right side of the aircraft.
- The pilot's approach was characterized by a steep descent with the throttle closed.
- The airspeed during the approach was slightly lower than the required parameters.
- The pilot's lack of experience on the Silence Twister contributed to the improper approach technique.