DG-1000T Glider Wheel Detachment Caused by Corroded and Fatigued Axle Bolt, AAIB Finds

The UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has released its findings on an incident involving a DG-Flugzeugbau DG-1000T glider at Husbands Bosworth Airfield. During the takeoff run, the aircraft's right main wheel detached, forcing the pilot to abort the takeoff. The glider sustained damage to the undercarriage and the right wingtip, though the pilot was unharmed. The investigation concluded that the failure was caused by fatigue cracking in the wheel axle bolt, which originated from a corrosion pit. As a result, a Safety Recommendation has been issued to the British Gliding Association to better publicize the manufacturer's existing maintenance advice on this specific component.

Official Source: https://www.gov.uk/aaib-reports/aaib-investigation-to-dg-flugzeugbau-dg-1000t-g-ckly