What happened
On June 12, 2019, a Raytheon Aircraft 58, registration PR-VVV, was performing a private flight from Porto Murtinho to Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul. The flight, operated by a private pilot and one passenger, proceeded normally under favorable visual flight rules (VFR) conditions.
Upon landing at the Estância Santa Maria (SSKG) aerodrome, the aircraft completed its touchdown on runway 06. However, approximately 100 meters into the landing roll, the nose landing gear unexpectedly retracted. The aircraft sustained light damage, but both the pilot and the passenger remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records and the physical condition of the landing gear. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was fully qualified, holding a valid commercial license and medical certificate, and that the aircraft's airworthiness documentation was up to date. Meteorological reports confirmed that weather conditions were clear and suitable for flight.
Technical analysis focused on the nose gear attachment rod, which was sent to the Institute of Aeronautics and Space (IAE) for laboratory examination. Visual and stereoscopic inspections revealed that the rod had suffered a fracture caused by overload. The investigation also identified that the aircraft was operating outside of its certified weight and balance limits. At takeoff, the aircraft's weight was 2,705 kg, exceeding the manufacturer's maximum takeoff weight of 2,494 kg. Even at the time of landing, the estimated weight was approximately 2,600 kg, which was 106 kg above the maximum allowable limit.
Findings
- The nose gear attachment rod failed due to an overload fracture.
- The aircraft was operating beyond its maximum weight limits during both takeoff and landing.
- It is inferred that the component may have been subjected to successive stresses exceeding its design limits due to repeated operations above the manufacturer's specified weight limits.
- Flight planning was identified as a contributing factor to the occurrence.