AAIB investigation to Piper PA-28-161, G-SACS
Right main gear leg oleo detached, Sherburn-in-Elmet Airfield, Yorkshire, 22 June 2024
On takeoff, the right main gear oleo and wheel assembly fell free from the landing gear cylinder, but remained attached to the aircraft by the brake hose. The cause was failure of both torque link attachment lugs due to fatigue cracking. A Service Bulletin issued by the manufacturer exists to inspect the lugs, but it is not mandated in the UK and the failure occurred outside of the inspection interval. Following previous occurrences, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued Safety Notice SN-2024/002 to raise awareness to owners and operators of affected aircraft, and it continues to monitor instances of cracking in the lugs.
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Published 10 July 2025