History of Flight
On 16 November 2016, a Cessna 172P aircraft registered PK-NIZ, operated by PT. Nusa Flying International, conducted touch-and-go flight training at Adi Soemarmo International Airport (WAHQ), Solo. The flight crew comprised a flight instructor and two student pilots. Prior to departure, a preflight check revealed no abnormalities.
At 0317 UTC, the aircraft took off from runway 26. The first student pilot performed two touch-and-go exercises, then the second student pilot took over as pilot flying. The third and fourth touch-and-go exercises were uneventful. Weather was clear with calm winds and visibility between 6 and 7 km.
During the fifth touch-and-go, after the nose wheel contacted the runway, the pilot felt vibrations. The instructor assumed a flat tire and took control, maintaining a nose-up attitude by increasing engine power and slightly pulling the control column. The instructor requested a full-stop landing and asked the tower controller to observe the nose wheel.
As the aircraft passed grass taxiway number 1, another pilot noticed the aircraft rolling without a nose wheel and alerted the controller. The controller's assistant confirmed the nose wheel had detached. The aircraft continued with a high nose attitude before the pilot lowered the nose and stopped near taxiway C. The engine was shut down and students evacuated. No injuries occurred; the aircraft sustained minor damage.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft, a Cessna 172P (serial number 17275012) manufactured in 1981, held valid Certificates of Airworthiness and Registration. The nose wheel assembly's last maintenance was performed eight days before the incident, involving repair of the shock strut.
Post-Incident Examination
Examination revealed the nose wheel had detached due to a loosening castellated nut which separated from the axle stud. The loosening indicated that the cotter pin was either not installed or had become missing. The axle stud hole showed dirt accumulation, suggesting the cotter pin had been absent for some time.
Personnel
The flight instructor, aged 47, held a valid Commercial Pilot License and instrument rating with 5,703 total flight hours, including 2,600 on type. The first student pilot, aged 18, had 9.5 hours experience. The second student pilot, aged 19, had 12 hours experience. Both students held valid Student Pilot Licenses.
Conclusion
The incident resulted from the detachment of the nose wheel due to a missing or improperly installed cotter pin, allowing the castellated nut to loosen and separate from the axle stud.