Rh gear cross brace was found yesterday pm at Dunwich(YDUN) after we were phoned to look for it after the landing at Af. Actually Patch, the airfield canine caretaker found it as light was fading.
This aircraft did a heavy, long and fast touch and go landing in a 5-10kt crosswind a bit after 3pm, Sunday 15 Dec 2013. We really thought he was going into the hangars at one stage in a cartwheel - rh wing nearly hit the ground as the cross wind from the left(East) lifted the other wing. He then got wings level and climbed out with the wheels dangling almost vertically.
What we found was a 3 foot length of steel rod with a rubber bush at one end, painted blue with attach points at both ends torn out. We have not found the missing RH wheel spat and there was no sign of it or any other wreckage during the runway inspection this morning.
It was a good decision by the pilot to land on the wide open grass of the 04s at Af rather than attempt to go to Heck Field with its narrow runways, ditches and nearby hangars.
Last edited by Possum1; 16th Dec 2013 at 04:18.
Reason: terminology