Accident
On July 31, 2014, at about 1430 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-44-180, registration N216FW, experienced a nose landing gear collapse during the landing roll at Cecil Airport (VQQ), Jacksonville, Florida. The airplane sustained minor damage. The two flight instructors onboard were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the instructional flight, which was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot Statements
Both pilots provided consistent statements. They were executing a single-engine approach and landing. All three landing gear position lights indicated that the landing gear were down and locked before landing. The pilot flying described the landing as "normal." During the landing roll, the second pilot observed the landing gear position lights flicker, after which the nose landing gear collapsed. The pilots secured the airplane and egressed on the runway.
Investigation
An examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed minor damage to the airplane's nose cone and propeller blades. The airplane was placed on jacks, and the landing gear was cycled. The landing gear extended, locked, and retracted normally, and the flickering of the gear position lights could not be replicated.
Aftermath
The airplane was subsequently issued a ferry permit to return to its base for repairs.