A BROKEN bolt caused a light aircraft's left side landing gear to collapse at Sandown Airport in July this year.

However, a report into the accident by the Aircraft Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) could not determine what had caused the bolt to shear.

The accident took place shortly after the Ikarus C42 aeroplane touched down at the airfield on July 13.

The breakage caused the aircraft to veer left uncontrollably off the runway before finally coming to rest in long grass.

Neither occupant of the aircraft was injured and they got out unaided.

The pilot reported that the touchdown had not been unduly heavy and that he had not begun braking at the time of the failure.