History of the Occurrence
On 12 June 2013, the pilot of a Cessna 172S, registration SE-MGD, conducted a private flight from Dezmir Aerodrome to Satu Mare International Airport and Bistrița aerodrome, with a planned return to Dezmir the same day. After landing at Bistrița at 11:01 UTC, the pilot checked METAR information for Cluj Airport and contacted another pilot at Dezmir, who confirmed the end of stormy phenomena at the destination. The aircraft departed for Dezmir at approximately 15:40 UTC with the pilot and two passengers on board.
During the landing approach at Dezmir, the pilot estimated the wind from approximately 330° at 4–6 kt and decided to land on a magnetic heading of 90°, using only the last part of the runway, as large portions were covered by standing water. The approach speed was normal at 60 kts, with a long flare in ground effect. After touchdown, the aircraft skidded without a safe reduction in speed, prompting the pilot to initiate a missed approach.
During the missed approach, the aircraft struck a ground embankment beyond the threshold of Runway 27 with the landing gear. The impact caused the nose landing gear fastening system to fail, and the nose gear completely detached from the aircraft.
The pilot subsequently contacted Cluj-Napoca International Airport control tower for a low pass to inspect the landing gear. After three passes, the tower confirmed the nose gear was missing. The pilot then decided to land at Dezmir. On final approach, the pilot shut down the engine and unlocked the doors. The aircraft touched down on the main landing gear, then slid on the lower engine cowl, stopping after approximately 100 m. All occupants evacuated safely.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Cessna 172S (serial number 172S8679), manufactured by Cessna Aircraft Company. It was registered in Sweden as SE-MGD and owned by a private Romanian citizen. The airworthiness certificate was valid until 07 August 2013. The pilot, a 37-year-old male, held a valid Romanian PPL with SEP(land) and NFQ ratings and a Class 2 medical certificate. His total flight experience was 806 hours and 35 minutes.
Meteorological Conditions
The pilot reported VMC conditions with wind from 330° at 4–6 kt. The METAR for Cluj-Napoca International Airport at 16:00 UTC indicated wind from 250° at 10 kt, visibility 10 km or more, light rain, scattered cumulonimbus at 4000 ft, overcast at 5200 ft, temperature 15°C, dew point 15°C, QNH 1014 mb. Runway 08 was reported wet with water puddles, contamination 51–100% with insignificant water depth, and good braking deceleration.
Damage Description
During the first landing attempt, the nose landing gear detached after striking the ground embankment. Subsequently, the aircraft landed without the nose gear, touching down on the main landing gear and then sliding on the lower engine cowl for about 100 m. The aircraft sustained minor damage to the main landing gear and lower engine cowl, with substantial damage overall.