What happened
On October 4, 2017, a pilot was conducting a training flight involving aerobatic maneuvers in an Extra 30 and/or L aircraft, registration G-IIMI. The flight originated from and returned to Bex Aerodrome (LSGB) under Visual Flight Rules. The flight and the subsequent landing on runway 33 were completed without any issues. However, while the aircraft was taxiing off the runway, the landing gear suddenly sank into the ground. This caused the aircraft to tilt along its transverse axis, resulting in the propeller striking the surface. The engine stopped abruptly, and the propeller, engine, and landing gear sustained damage. The pilot escaped the incident without injury, and no other persons were harmed.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the condition of the airfield surface and the communication regarding runway maintenance. It was established that at the time of the incident, the aerodrome was closed to traffic because the surface at the end of runway 33 required maintenance involving the application of sand. However, the investigators found that this restriction had not been communicated to aircrews via a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), nor had it been posted within the aerodrome operator's facilities. Information regarding the ongoing works was only released after the incident had occurred.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a communication failure regarding the status of the airfield surface.
- The aircraft's landing gear sank into the ground because the surface at the end of the runway had been altered for maintenance purposes.
- There was no official notification provided to pilots regarding the closed status of the aerodrome or the specific ground conditions.