What happened
On February 16, 2023, a student pilot was conducting a solo flight within the traffic pattern at Dr. Joaquín Balaguer International Airport (MDJB). During the initial landing attempt, the aircraft's right main landing gear experienced a heavy touchdown, causing the aircraft to bounce.
In response to the hard landing, the pilot attempted a go-around. During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a severe impact involving the nose gear, which resulted in the structural collapse of the gear. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft safely and uninjured.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation focused on the sequence of events during the landing and the subsequent go-around attempt. The investigation team evaluated operational aspects, technical factors, human performance, and airworthiness to determine why the nose gear failed following the initial heavy touchdown.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage as a result of the impact.
- The right main landing gear experienced a high-force impact during touchdown, leading to a bounce.
- The nose gear collapse was triggered by a heavy impact during the go-around maneuver.