What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-08-01 involved a EUROPA XS, registration G-ROOV, at Kemble Airfield, Gloucestershire, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The nosewheel fork detached from the nose landing gear leg due to an overload failure of a weld that suffered from poor penetration during manufacturing.

Nose gear failure during training flight at Kemble Airfield

A Europa XS experienced a nosewheel separation during a landing circuit at Kemble Airfield, resulting in damage to the aircraft but no injuries.

What happened

On 1 August 2000, a Europa XS, registration G-ROOV, was conducting training maneuvers at Kemble Airfield. The flight was intended for circuit practice following a recent modification that converted the aircraft from a monowheel to a tricycle landing gear configuration. The weather was clear with good visibility and a 12-knot wind.

During the fourth circuit of the flight, the pilot performed a powered approach using flaps. While the aircraft touched down normally on the main wheels, the nosewheel assembly failed almost immediately after the nosewheel was lowered. A loud bang was heard as the nose of the aircraft dropped, and the nosewheel fork detached and rolled ahead of the aircraft. The instructor took control, attempting to steer the aircraft onto the grass to mitigate damage. However, as the speed decreased, the nose leg dropped back onto the runway surface, scraping along the tarmac for approximately 30 metres before coming to a stop. The incident resulted in no injuries to the two occupants, though the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, spinner, lower engine cowl, and the nose landing gear.

The investigation

Investigators examined the failed components and determined that the nosewheel fork had separated from the nose leg. This was caused by an overload failure of the weld connecting the fork to the leg. The investigation revealed that the nose landing gear assembly was supplied by the manufacturer with this specific joint pre-welded.

Further metallurgical testing performed by the aircraft manufacturer on a new assembly identified a defect involving poor weld penetration at the joint. This discovery led the manufacturer to develop Modification Number 57, which introduces gusset plates and extra weld beads to strengthen the connection. While the manufacturer considers this modification mandatory, it had not yet been applied to G-ROOV.

Findings

The nosewheel fork detached due to a failure of the weld between the fork and the nose leg.
The failure was caused by insufficient weld penetration during the manufacturing process.
The aircraft was undergoing conversion training following its recent change to a tricycle gear configuration.

Safety action

Following the discovery of the welding defect, a safety recommendation was issued to the CAA and the PFA. The recommendation urged the authorities to ensure that Modification 57 is implemented across all affected aircraft to prevent potential nose-over accidents and subsequent injuries.