What happened
On 26 April 1998, a Cessna 206, registration PH-KFF, was performing a private flight from Holland to Kent International Airport (Manston). During the approach to Runway 28, the aircraft encountered significant crosswinds, measured at 18 knots gusting to 25 knots. To manage the wind, the pilot maintained a low left wing during the approach.
Upon touchdown, the left main wheel made contact with the runway first, followed by the right. The pilot initially raised the nosewheel to keep the aircraft straight as it began to veer left. However, as the aircraft slowed, the nosewheel was lowered again. Despite the application of heavy right braking and rudder input, the aircraft veered uncontrollably to the left, resulting in the collapse of the nose landing gear and the propeller striking the runway surface. The incident resulted in no injuries to the pilot or the three passengers, though the aircraft sustained damage to the nosewheel, the right wingtip, and experienced fuel leakage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's movement and the physical evidence left on the runway. Post-incident observations revealed two distinct tyre skid marks: a relatively straight mark from heavy braking on the right mainwheel, and a curved mark produced by the nosewheel as it veered left from the moment of contact. The physical state of the gear confirmed the nosewheel had collapsed toward the left.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in wind conditions that exceeded the maximum demonstrated crosswind limit of 20 knots.
- Evidence from the runway skid marks and the direction of the gear failure suggests the nosewheel was subjected to considerable leftward deflection during both instances of touchdown.