Incident
On July 24, 2009, at approximately 2230 UTC, a Virgin Blue Boeing 737-700, registration VH-VBA, experienced a failure of the nose landing gear axle while taxiing for takeoff. The right nosewheel detached from the nose landing gear leg. The aircraft was subsequently able to taxi back to the gate without further incident.
Investigation
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) dispatched an investigation team to Melbourne Airport to examine the components. Initial examination of the landing gear revealed a region of fatigue cracking in the lower section of the nose landing gear axle, which subsequently failed. The ATSB will recover the components for specialist examination.
Further Information
The investigation is conducted under the jurisdiction of the Australian government. For additional information, contact the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.