What happened
On 30 August 2014, a Czech Sport Aircraft SportCruiser, registration G-EMSA, was performing a private flight at a grass airstrip near Saffron Walden, Essex. The weather conditions were clear with an 11-knot crosswind. During the landing sequence, the pilot executed a standard approach and touched down at approximately 35 knots.
Immediately following touchdown, the aircraft's nose pitched downward, causing it to come to an abrupt halt within a distance of only 8.5 metres. The impact resulted in damage to the engine cowling, exhaust, propeller, noseleg, and landing light, including one broken propeller blade. The pilot, who sustained no injuries, was able to exit the aircraft safely. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the nosewheel had completely detached from the assembly and was located on the ground behind the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the nose landing gear. Examination of the components revealed that the vertical spindle, located at the forward lower end of the leg where it meets an upper bushing, had failed. The pilot noted that there was no evidence of corrosion on the leg and suggested the failure was due to fatigue.
Technical records indicated that the manufacturer had previously issued service bulletins regarding this specific component. Service bulletin SB-CR-016, issued in late 2013 and updated in mid-2014, advised operators to inspect the nose landing gear for cracks developing along the weld of the tube and bracket. A subsequent bulletin, SB-CR-021, recommended replacing the existing gear with an improved version (SG0300N) that possessed better fatigue resistance, particularly for aircraft operating from unpaved runways. While the pilot had performed the required inspections, the upgraded landing gear had not been installed on G-EMSA.