Accident Details
On October 19, 2017, at 1300 central daylight time, a Piper PA-32RT-300T airplane, registration N633CB, sustained a nose landing gear collapse and subsequently impacted the taxiway surface while taxiing after landing at Charles R Johnson Airport (T05), Port Mansfield, Texas. The fuselage sustained substantial damage. The flight was operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight on an instrument flight rules flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The airplane had departed from Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport, Houston, Texas, at 1041 and was destined for T05.
Pilot Account
The private pilot, who was operating the flight, stated that he pitched the nose up "slightly" and reduced engine power before the main landing gear wheels contacted the runway. After the main gear touched down, the nose wheel landing gear contacted the runway and collapsed.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the nose landing gear after the accident revealed a fractured trunnion casting. Metallurgical analysis of the trunnion casting showed fractures consistent with overstress. No evidence of preexisting cracks was observed on any of the fracture surfaces. No other mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal airplane operation were identified.