What happened
On 31 August 2003, a Maule MXT-7-180 Super Rocket, registration G-CROL, was conducting a private flight from Oaksey Park to Compton Abbas Airfield in Wiltshire. During the approach to the grass Runway 26, the pilot performed a standard landing just past the runway threshold. Following a slight bounce, the pilot heard a cracking sound, after which the nose of the aircraft dropped. The aircraft then skidded in a straight line for approximately 40 metres before coming to a halt. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, and no fire occurred following the impact.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft and determined that the nose landing gear leg had collapsed rearwards. This failure was attributed to landing gear loads being transferred to the engine frame's supporting structure. The investigation noted that while the landing speed was a normal 45 knots and wind conditions were light, the runway surface was bumpy.
Further analysis of the aircraft's history revealed that G-CROL had been involved in two previous accidents in 1996 and 1997, both of which also involved damage to the nose landing gear. These three incidents occurred within a span of only 200 flying hours. The investigation also noted that the nose leg configuration on this specific model is considered vulnerable by some engineers, as it is supported further forward under the engine compared to similar components used in other aircraft types.