What happened
On October 18, 2005, at approximately 15:20 UTC, an AGA Dyn Aero MCR-01, registration OB-1701, was taxiing from hangar 02 toward the runway 15 threshold at the Las Dunas Aerodrome in Ica, Peru. The aircraft, operated by the Master of the Sky flight school, was preparing for a local instructional flight with an instructor and a student pilot on board.
During the taxi at 1,000 RPM, the pilot experienced heavy vibrations. Upon reducing power to minimum, the nose gear collapsed. The impact caused the propeller to strike the runway surface, leading to an immediate engine stall. The pilot promptly shut off the fuel flow, disconnected the electrical system, and ordered an evacuation. The aircraft came to rest at a 45-degree angle, approximately 200 meters from the takeoff position.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation focused on the structural integrity of the landing gear and the circumstances leading to the collapse. Investigators examined the nose gear assembly, noting that the nose gear cover had prevented a visual inspection of the internal components prior to flight. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance program and the operational intensity of the flight school, which utilized the aircraft for primary flight instruction.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a design flaw in the nose landing gear, specifically a separation between the concentric tube and the steel plate attached to the carbon fiber fork.
- The weld connecting the steel plate to the concentric tube suffered a fracture, likely due to material stress and the aircraft's high-use operational profile.
- Evidence of corrosion was found on the nose gear tube near the weld area.
- The aircraft was being used for primary flight instruction, involving frequent takeoffs and landings (approximately 31 cycles per student), which likely contributed to material fatigue.
- The nose gear cover obstructed the ability to perform necessary visual inspections for corrosion or damage.