Accident Summary
On 31 May 2017 at 1915 UTC, a Cessna P120N (registration N210UK) sustained damage following a landing accident at Kilfinichen, Isle of Mull, Argyll and Bute. The aircraft came to rest after the nose landing gear collapsed and detached approximately 100 metres from the touchdown point. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was uninjured.
Flight Details
The flight originated from Wellesbourne Mountford and was destined for a private airstrip on the Isle of Mull. The pilot, holding a Private Pilot's Licence with 1,650 total flying hours (30 hours on type), was familiar with the destination. The grass runway featured a pronounced upslope of 5°. The pilot reported a normal approach and a three-point touchdown that was "not particularly hard."
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained damage to the wingtip, nose gear and its doors, propeller, spinner, and lower cowling. No injuries were reported; the pilot, who was wearing a lap and diagonal harness, was uninjured.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination determined that the nose landing gear failed at the fork, which led to the detachment of the nosewheel and subsequently the nose gear attachments. The grass runway was described as soft in places. The pilot did not consider the landing to be particularly hard. The aircraft was not examined by the AAIB, and the reason for the fork failure remains unknown.