History of the Flight
On 9 May 2018 at 13:24 local time, the student pilot of a DIAMOND DA20-C1 aircraft, registration EC-MQT, was conducting a VFR training flight at the La Axarquía aerodrome (LEAX) in Vélez-Málaga, Spain. The instructor and student had completed eight takeoffs and landings, practicing various emergencies, before the instructor deemed the student qualified for a solo flight. The instructor exited the aircraft, and the student started the engine, taxied to runway 12, and performed a normal takeoff, followed by a circuit and landing. The instructor then directed the student to fly additional circuits. After a second takeoff and a low approach, the student flew another circuit. On final approach, the aircraft appeared normal. During the landing, the student heard a noise, and the bottom coupling of the nose landing gear detached upon contacting the runway.
Emergency Landing
Realizing the situation, the student pilot decided to abort the landing. After communicating with emergency services, firefighters and an ambulance positioned themselves near the runway. The student then performed an emergency landing on runway 12 without further incident.
Injuries and Damage
The student pilot was uninjured. The aircraft sustained minor damage. No other injuries or damage were reported.
Aircraft Information
The incident aircraft was a DIAMOND DA20-C1, registration EC-MQT, owned and operated by Grupo One Air Aviación S.L. The aircraft was conducting a solo training flight under VFR rules.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the incident was caused by the detachment of the nose gear fork coupling when contact was made with the runway during a hard landing as the student pilot was initiating the landing, forcing him to abort the maneuver. A contributing factor was the simultaneous contact by the main and nose landing gears with the runway at a speed higher than recommended, placing excessive stress on the nose gear.
Safety Recommendation
The report contains one safety recommendation addressed to the aircraft manufacturer to consider including an additional maintenance revision criterion based on the number of aircraft cycles.