Accident Overview
During a touch and go landing practice on a grass airstrip, an airplane nosed over after completing its fourth landing. The nose wheel and portions of the landing gear fork were discovered approximately 100 yards ahead of the airplane. The fork exhibited a leftward bend, and the fracture surfaces displayed characteristics consistent with overload failure. No other anomalies were found during the investigation.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that the fourth landing was performed with a nose-high attitude. As the airplane rolled out and the nose lowered, the aircraft shuddered, came to a stop, and subsequently nosed over.
Examination Findings
A post-accident examination revealed that the nose wheel and sections of the landing gear fork had separated from the airplane and were located 100 yards forward. The metal fork was bent to the left side. Metallurgical analysis of the fractured components indicated signatures typical of overload failure. No other mechanical irregularities or failures were identified.