Incident Description
The pilot reported that after selecting the landing gear handle to the down position, all three green indicator lights illuminated, confirming the gear was down and locked. The subsequent touchdown on a gravel runway was normal. However, as the aircraft decelerated, it settled onto its nose.
Investigation Findings
Metallurgical examination of the failed components revealed overstress fractures of the nose gear actuator upper attachment lug. The supporting sheet metal structure also exhibited overstress fractures. No preexisting material defects were identified. The investigation did not find any reports of previous hard landings involving this aircraft.
Additionally, an inspection of the drag link assembly had been conducted 45 flight hours prior to the incident, and no discrepancies were noted regarding the nose landing gear at that time.