What happened
On 19 August 2007, a Zenair CH 601HD Zodiac, registration G-CBDT, was involved in a ground accident at Oban Airport, Scotland. The aircraft, a home-built kit plane, was being operated on a private flight with two occupants on board.
While taxiing along Runway 19, the pilot intended to reach the end of the runway to turn and depart from Runway 01 using the full length of the strip. During the taxi, the aircraft was moving at a speed higher than normal. As the pilot applied the brakes to decelerate and initiate a turn to line up with the new runway, the aircraft skidded. This was followed by a rapid left turn, during which the nose gear and the right main gear both collapsed. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, and both occupants were able to exit the aircraft without difficulty.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft and the runway surface following the incident. The investigation noted that the aircraft was carrying fuel and a small amount of freight, bringing its total weight to 1,100 lbs, which was within its maximum takeoff weight of 1,200 lbs. Physical evidence, specifically skid marks found on the runway, supported the pilot's account of the maneuver. The investigation also noted that this was the third instance of landing gear collapse reported to the AAIB involving this specific aircraft type in the preceding three years.