AAIB investigation to Piper PA-28-161, G-BRBA

Right main landing gear detached in-flight, Wycombe Air Park, Buckinghamshire, 4 September 2021.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 12 May 2022

• Category: General aviation - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 4 September 2021
• Aircraft type: Piper PA-28-161
• Location: Wycombe Air Park, Buckinghamshire
• Registration: G-BRBA

Summary:

When the instructor selected landing flaps and reduced speed the aircraft started to handle in an unusual way. It became apparent on landing that the right main landing gear had failed. Both occupants escaped without injury.

The investigation found that the right landing gear torque link upper attachment lugs had failed due to fatigue. Following previous reports of cracking in this location on several related aircraft types, the manufacturer had issued a Service Bulletin describing a regular inspection procedure.

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Piper PA-28-161, G-BRBA 05-22

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Published 12 May 2022