Event Description
According to the pilot, during the landing flare, a loud bang was heard at the moment the nose wheel contacted the runway. Subsequently, the nose of the airplane rebounded into the air, causing the tail to strike the runway surface. The nose then settled back down, and the airplane came to a stop.
Examination Findings
An FAA inspector examined the airplane and discovered that the nose wheel fork was broken into two separate pieces. Additionally, the empennage structure was found to be buckled. The nose landing gear wheel fork was sent to the National Transportation Safety Board's Materials Laboratory for detailed analysis.
Laboratory Analysis
The fracture surfaces exhibited slant planes with a matte gray appearance, characteristic of an overstress fracture. No indications of preexisting damage or fatigue were observed. The overall deformation of both legs of the fork was consistent with the application of side loading during the event.