What happened
On May 30, 2022, at 06:49 GMT, a Tecnam P2008 aircraft, registration 5B-CMG, was completing a VFR cross-country flight from Marki to Klirou. During the approach to Runway 22 at Larnaca International Airport, the aircraft performed a full stop landing under CAVOK weather conditions.
During the landing sequence, the aircraft bounced upon touchdown. When the aircraft subsequently landed on its nose gear, the impact caused the nose wheel to collapse and detach from the airframe. The pilot continued the landing roll without the nose gear in an attempt to vacate the runway via exit D. The aircraft eventually came to a stop approximately two meters before the taxiway line, effectively blocking the runway.
An emergency was declared at 06:50. Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) units responded to the scene. To clear the runway for operations, fire personnel manually pushed the aircraft forward approximately five meters. The student pilot sustained no injuries during the event.
The investigation
The AAIIB was notified of the accident by the Senior Air Traffic Controller at 07:10 on the day of the occurrence. Investigators examined the aircraft and found that the nose gear had detached, the propeller was torn, and the central and left/right lower fuselage protection plates were damaged. The investigation confirmed the aircraft was airworthy prior to the accident and the flight was authorized by a training instructor.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a bounce during the landing phase.
- The subsequent impact of the nose gear on the runway caused the nose gear to collapse and detach.