What happened
On 31 October 1999, a Cherry BX-2, registration G-BXUX, was conducting a private training flight at Lydd Airport in Kent. During the execution of circuit training, the aircraft experienced a firm touchdown. This impact caused the nose landing gear leg to collapse upon contact with the runway.
There were two people on board the aircraft, including the pilot. Both the crew and the passenger escaped the incident without any injuries. The aircraft sustained damage specifically to the nose landing gear assembly.
The investigation
Following the incident, an examination of the nose landing gear mechanism was conducted to determine the cause of the structural failure. Investigators identified that a rod bearing eye, located on the retraction arm, had suffered a fracture.
Technical analysis established that the break had originated through a redundant oil lubrication hole within the component. This specific feature had compromised the structural integrity of the bearing eye, making it susceptible to failure under the stresses of a firm landing.
Findings
- The nose landing gear collapsed due to a fracture in a rod bearing eye on the retraction arm.
- The fracture was initiated at a redundant oil lubrication hole.
- The failure occurred during a firm landing during circuit training.