Incident Overview
On 29 August 2018, a Tecnam 2006T aircraft operating a training flight experienced a nose landing gear malfunction that resulted in a gear collapse during landing at Poznań-Ławica Airport (EPPO). The crew of three evacuated the aircraft without injury. The investigation was conducted by the operator under the oversight of the Polish State Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigation.
Flight Details
The flight was an IFR training sortie intended to revalidate the pilot's instrument rating (IR) and multi-engine (ME) privileges. Initially, the crew performed three approach training maneuvers at Zielona Góra-Babimost Airport (EPZG). During each approach, the landing gear position indicators showed all three gear legs locked down. Each approach was followed by a go-around without touchdown.
After completing the exercises over EPZG, the crew returned to Poznań to conduct a VOR approach to runway 10 with a touch-and-go landing, followed by a VFR circuit for a full-stop landing.
Landing Gear Issue
During the approach for the touch-and-go, the gear indication again showed all three legs locked. After completing the circuit and selecting the gear lever to the down position, the indicators showed only the main landing gear locked; the nose gear failed to indicate locked. The crew cycled the gear lever multiple times between up and down without success. They then performed the emergency gear extension procedure, which also did not produce a locked nose gear indication.
The tower at Poznań Ławica was immediately notified. The crew requested a low pass over the runway so that the airport duty officer could visually inspect the nose gear. After the pass, the duty officer reported that the nose gear appeared partially extended.
The crew subsequently requested an emergency landing with assistance. At 17:27 UTC, the aircraft touched down on runway 10 at Poznań. Upon landing, the nose gear collapsed. The crew exited the aircraft unaided, and the aircraft was towed to parking position PPS 1.
Findings and Cause
Post-flight examination revealed damage to the shock absorber support bracket of the nose gear leg. The bracket was bent and torn at its attachment point to the lower link. Investigation determined that this damage caused the nose gear to jam against the gear doors during the extension sequence.
The investigation also found that during ground maneuvering, the aircraft may have been subjected to nosewheel steering angles exceeding the maximum allowable deflection of 20° from center in either direction. The probable cause of the bracket damage was improper ground maneuvering using the nosewheel steering beyond its design limits.
Aftermath
The operator discussed the incident with flight crew, emphasizing proper ground maneuvering techniques using the nosewheel steering. No safety recommendations were issued by the Commission.