Occurrence
On 10 February 2022, at approximately 1420 local time, a Tecnam P92 Echo JS light aircraft with registration 9H-LQA experienced a nose-wheel failure after landing on Runway 23 at Luqa Airport, Malta. The aircraft was operated by European Pilot Academy on an instructional/private flight. The flight originated from Malta and planned to return to the same airport.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft took off without incident from Runway 23 for a local flight. The pilot requested and received ATC clearance to join the runway 23 circuit for landing. A stable approach was followed by a three-point touchdown, which resulted in the aircraft bouncing off the runway. Subsequently, a hard landing occurred with the nose gear contacting the runway surface first. Debris found on the runway indicated that the nose wheel assembly was damaged during the second touchdown. The aircraft continued down the runway for approximately 220 meters, roughly maintaining the centerline, until the nose-wheel separated from the aircraft. After separation, the aircraft skidded to the right on the underside of the fuselage, and the propeller contacted the runway surface.
Damage
Examination by the BAAI Chief Investigator revealed substantial damage to the nose-wheel assembly and propeller, and minor damage to the front underside of the aircraft. No injuries were reported, and no third-party damage occurred. Weather conditions at the airport were good, with visibility of 10 km or more and light, variable wind.
Probable Cause
Video surveillance footage indicated that the aircraft approached the runway at the appropriate angle and aimed for the correct touchdown zone. However, a close examination revealed that the probable cause of the accident was that the flare was too low and too shallow, leading to a hard and flat landing. The hard impact resulted in a series of bounces that damaged the nose-wheel, rendering it unusable.
Aftermath
After the aircraft came to a stop, the pilot executed the securing of aircraft and evacuation procedure correctly and left the aircraft. No recommendations were issued by the investigation.