What happened
On 30 May 2008, a Diamond DA42 Twin Star, registration G-CTCF, was involved in an incident at Bournemouth International Airport during a training flight. After completing a landing that was described as firm but not heavy, the pilot proceeded to the aircraft's parking position. As the aircraft came to a halt, the landing gear unsafe warning light illuminated in the cockpit.
The investigation
Following the warning, an inspection of the nose landing gear was conducted. Investigators found that a bolt used to retain the nose gear strut had detached from its bracket. The investigation focused on the mechanics of the nose gear bay during the landing and subsequent taxiing. It was determined that the nose gear strut had been subjected to forces that caused the sidewall of the gear bay to flex during the nose gear touchdown.
Findings
- The landing, while not classified as a heavy landing, involved a de-rotation to nose gear touchdown that was characterized as firm.
- The flexing of the nose gear bay sidewall during touchdown allowed the strut to press against the bay wall.
- This movement caused the nosewheel retaining bolt to be dragged against the wall, resulting in its separation from the bracket.
- The physical movement of the strut also caused damage to the wiring responsible for the nose gear warning system.