What happened
On 16 February 2002, a CFM Shadow Series DD, registration G-BXZY, was performing training maneuvers at Redhill Aerodrome. The flight, which was a private operation, involved an instructor and a student pilot conducting circuits and landings on the grass runway 08 Right. The weather conditions were favorable, characterized by good visibility and a light north-easterly wind, though the grass surface was noted to be soft.
During the second circuit session of the day, the student pilot executed an approach that resulted in the aircraft bouncing upon contact with the main gear. The instructor subsequently took control of the aircraft, increasing power to stabilize the flight path before reducing throttle to land on the main gear. While the aircraft initially maintained its path, the nose wheel descended onto the runway, and the aircraft traveled approximately 40 feet before the nose landing gear collapsed. The aircraft came to a complete stop after traveling an additional 15 feet. Both occupants of the aircraft sustained no injuries and exited the aircraft via the standard exit.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft and the runway surface following the incident. Due to the soft nature of the grass, investigators were able to trace the tire tracks left by the aircraft. These tracks revealed that the nose wheel had transitioned into a small hollow in the terrain at the exact moment the gear failed.
As the aircraft was frequently utilized for flight training, the investigation considered the possibility that the nose landing gear may have been subject to prior structural fatigue or damage. It was noted that the impact with the hollow in the runway surface may have been the final factor that caused the weakened gear to break.