Investigation number
AO-2012-106
Occurrence date
Location
Granny Smith aerodrome
State
Western Australia
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation level
Short
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Ground strike
Occurrence class
Serious Incident
Highest injury level
None

On 22 August 2012, a Skippers Aviation Fairchild SA227-DC aircraft, registered VH-WBQ, was being operated on a charter passenger flight from Perth to Granny Smith aerodrome, Western Australia.

The aircraft arrived at the aerodrome and joined the circuit. When on downwind, the landing gear was extended, with the crew confirming that the three green down-locked lights were illuminated. The crew again confirmed, on a number of occasions, that the landing gear was extended.

During the landing flare, the left wing suddenly dropped. The first officer immediately applied right aileron in an attempt to counteract the wing drop and the aircraft touched down. After shutdown, the crew inspected the aircraft and determined that the left propeller had contacted the ground.

The aircraft operator examined the aircraft and believed that there was uncommanded retraction of the left landing gear on, or just after touchdown. The reason for the uncommanded retraction could not be determined.

Aviation Short Investigation Bulletin – Issue 14

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Fairchild Industries Inc
Model
SA227
Registration
VH-WBQ
Serial number
DC-884B
Operation type
Charter
Sector
Turboprop
Departure point
Perth, WA
Destination
Granny Smith, WA
Damage
Minor