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May 16, 2009, Norwood, Mass., Diamond Aircraft DA 40

The airplane experienced a collapse of the right main landing gear at about 1548 Eastern time while landing. Visual conditions prevailed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the solo student pilot was not injured. Earlier, a flight instructor signed him off for solo flight, and exited the airplane.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A solo student pilot's airplane experienced a collapse of its right main landing gear during landing, resulting in substantial damage but no injuries.
  • The incident occurred under visual conditions shortly after the student was signed off for solo flight, with a flight instructor observing a seemingly normal approach and "nice touchdown" before the collapse.
  • Preliminary examination revealed a spanwise crack in the upper wing skin of the right wing, and the right main landing gear was found attached only by brake lines.
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The airplane experienced a collapse of the right main landing gear at about 1548 Eastern time while landing. Visual conditions prevailed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the solo student pilot was not injured. Earlier, a flight instructor signed him off for solo flight, and exited the airplane.

On the ensuing landing, the flight instructor reported the final approach appeared normal. He did not perceive any excess airspeed but did report the pitch attitude appeared stable. Within seconds of a “nice touchdown,” he heard skidding and saw the airplane veer off the north side of the runway. Preliminary examination revealed a spanwise crack in the upper wing skin of the right wing. The right main landing gear remained attached only by brake lines.

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