What happened
On May 3, 2015, a PA 28-180 was conducting a flight from Meidl-Airport in Fertöszentmiklos, Hungary, to Kirchdorf am Inn, Germany. During the flight, the pilot observed deteriorating weather conditions, characterized by increasing cloud cover and rain. To avoid encountering more severe weather, the pilot decided to perform a precautionary landing in a field near Hagsdorf, Austria.
The aircraft approached the landing site from the north. During the landing sequence, the pilot touched down in a nose-high (aerodynamic braking) attitude. Upon contact with the soft ground, the nose gear collapsed to the left. This failure caused the right wing's leading edge and spar area to strike the ground and resulted in the propeller making contact with the earth. The aircraft slid approximately 200 meters before coming to a complete stop.
The investigation
The SUB investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's credentials, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy and that all required maintenance had been performed. The pilot held a valid PPL(A) and medical certificate, and the aircraft's weight and center of gravity were within permissible limits.
Meteorological data from nearby stations in Amstetten and St. Pölten indicated deteriorating conditions, including low ceilings and reduced visibility due to rain and mist. The investigation also analyzed the impact site, noting the soft, dry nature of the field, and reviewed the aircraft's wreckage to determine the sequence of structural failures.
Findings
- The pilot's decision to perform a precautionary landing was a proactive safety measure to avoid worsening weather.
- The primary cause of the damage was the nose gear collapsing during the landing.
- The landing was performed in a nose-high attitude (schiebende Position) on a soft surface.
- The nose gear failure was exacerbated by the pilot lowering the nose gear too early during the touchdown on the soft terrain.