Occurrence
A Twin Otter operated by Régionair Inc. was conducting a visual flight from Chevery, Quebec, to Tête-à-la-Baleine, Quebec. The co-pilot was flying during the landing at Tête-à-la-Baleine. The active runway was oriented 360° magnetic, with a length of 1,320 feet and a usable width of 65 feet. The runway surface consisted of hard-packed frozen sandy soil, which was even and free of holes or irregularities. The aircraft touched down at approximately 60 knots with flaps set at 37.5°. Following initial contact, the aircraft bounced about 160 feet. After a second touchdown, the nosewheel failed, causing the aircraft to veer left and come to rest off the runway. Neither the crew nor the passengers sustained injuries.
Meteorological Conditions
Local weather conditions were favorable for the flight. Winds in the airport area were reported from approximately 300° magnetic, blowing in strong gusts. The wind was crossing the runway at a 60-degree angle, creating strong crosswinds at the time of the occurrence.
Investigation
Examination of the nosewheel revealed no anomalies in its installation. Visual inspection showed that the piston failed in the threaded section where it attaches to the fork. The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) Engineering Branch Laboratory analyzed the piston and determined that it was manufactured according to specifications. No initiating fatigue was observed. The fracture was attributed entirely to overloading from the right side, which forced the nosewheel to bend to the left upon landing. The TSB completed a laboratory report (LP 07/95) titled "Nose Landing-Gear Fork Analysis."
Cause and Contributing Factors
The nosewheel failed in overload as a result of forces applied to the fork from the right side. Strong cross-winds were identified as a contributing factor. The crew was unable to maintain directional control of the aircraft after the nosewheel failure.