Incident Overview
On 5 May 2023, a student pilot conducting solo circuit training on a Tecnam P2008-JC (SP-SMC) at EPPO experienced a nose gear failure during the fifth touch-and-go landing. After touchdown, the student reported a probable broken nose gear leg. The aircraft was found with damage to the nose gear leg, propeller, and lower engine cowlings. The pilot exited the aircraft unaided and sustained no injuries.
Investigation Findings
The investigation revealed corrosion on the inner surface of the nose gear leg and along part of the fracture surface. The corrosion pattern indicated that a localized material crack had occurred well before the incident, compromising the seal of the closed-section steel component. The crack likely originated along the weld edge, a common weak point in welded joints. The fracture surface's appearance suggested that the final separation occurred during the landing, possibly without exceeding allowable stresses, due to prior weakening.
Cause and Contributing Factors
The probable cause was excessive loading of the nose gear leg during training flights, which led to material fracture near the weld. Contributing factors included the high proportion of training flights (over 90%) at EPPO on this aircraft type and the possibility of exceeding allowable stresses when the nose gear struck protruding runway centerline lights. The runway was equipped with centerline lights and touchdown zone lights that protruded above the surface.
Preventive Actions
The investigating entity carried out inspections of the nose gear legs on all operated aircraft, conducted training for technical and flight personnel on nose gear inspection procedures, and held sessions for instructors on visual monitoring of student flights. No safety recommendations were issued.