Factual Description
On 3 November 2014, at approximately 10:53 UTC, a GROB G115 aircraft, registration D-EGXI, experienced a nose landing gear collapse during the landing phase at Cascais Airfield (LPCS). The aircraft had departed at 10:20 UTC for a local training flight with an instructor pilot and a student pilot on board, intended to practice circuit patterns in preparation for the student's first solo flight.
During the flight, around 10:46 UTC, the crew requested a touch-and-go manoeuvre on runway 35. The air traffic controller denied this request due to wind conditions exceeding 15 knots, as stipulated by a temporary NOTAM related to construction work near the runway. The instructor then requested a go-around, which was authorized.
After completing the go-around and heading north, the aircraft encountered turbulence near Manique hill. With increasing wind intensity, the instructor pilot assumed control and requested a full stop landing on runway 35. The landing was authorized with reported wind from 240 degrees at 13 to 18 knots.
The aircraft touched down on the runway center, first with the left main landing gear, then the right, and finally the nose gear. During the deceleration phase, after experiencing vibrating movements from the nosewheel (shimmy), the nose landing gear fork collapsed, allowing the propeller to contact the ground.
Meteorological conditions at the airfield included scattered clouds at 2,500 feet, wind variable between 220 and 280 degrees at 13 to 18 knots, horizontal visibility of 10 kilometers or more, temperature 20°C, dew point 14°C, and atmospheric pressure 1015 hPa.
Aircraft and Crew
The GROB G115 is a single-engine, low-wing fixed-tricycle-gear aircraft primarily used for training, built in Germany in 1988 by Grob Aerospace. It was equipped with a 108 hp Lycoming engine and a two-blade fixed-pitch propeller. At the time of the incident, the aircraft had accumulated 6,524 flight hours and 16,494 landings.
The instructor pilot, a 24-year-old Portuguese male, held a valid Commercial Pilot Licence and medical certificate. The student pilot, a 25-year-old Spanish male, held a valid student permit and medical certificate. No evidence suggested any medical factors contributed to the occurrence.
Injuries and Damage
Both pilots egressed the aircraft unharmed. The aircraft sustained minor damage limited to the propeller tips and the nose landing gear. The nose gear fork fractured in two distinct lines at the leg attachment area, and the fiberglass aerodynamic nose wheel fairing gave way at several points.
Investigation
The occurrence was classified as a serious incident by the former GPIAA, which initiated a safety investigation. After evidence collection and testing, the investigation team concluded the event had low complexity and limited safety learning, sufficient to be covered by the work already carried out. The investigation was closed with the publication of this summary report, aiming to raise awareness of the safety issues evidenced.