What happened
On 25 May 2012, a Zenair CH250 Zenith, registration G-RAYS, was performing a private flight at Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire. During the landing phase on Runway 03L, the aircraft encountered a sudden gust of wind, which was blowing from the east at 15 knots. As the aircraft approached the runway surface, the pilot reported a gust that caused the aircraft to land primarily on the left main wheel. This impact led to the collapse of the left main landing gear. As the aircraft slewed toward the left, it moved onto the adjacent grass area, causing the nose landing gear to collapse as well. Both the pilot and the passenger, who were secured with lap straps and diagonal shoulder harnesses, exited the aircraft without injury. The incident resulted in damage to the engine, propeller, left wing flap, and both the nose and left main landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of the landing and the environmental conditions present at the time of the accident. The assessment focused on the impact of the 15-knot easterly wind and the specific manner in which the aircraft contacted the runway surface.