Synopsis
On Wednesday, 7 February 2018, at approximately 17:42 UTC, an Aero Commander 500-S registration N590DR, operated by Express Carriers Inc., suffered a nose gear collapse during landing on runway 19 at Canefield Airport, Dominica (TDCF). The aircraft was on a commercial VFR flight from St Thomas, US Virgin Islands (TIST) with one pilot and seven passengers. None of the occupants sustained injuries.
Factual Information
History of the Flight
The aircraft departed TIST at a weight of 6,748 lbs, which was 2 lbs below the maximum take-off mass. However, an additional 133 lbs of cargo not included on the load sheet resulted in an actual take-off mass exceeding the approved limit. The flight proceeded normally, and at 17:34 UTC the pilot contacted Canefield Tower. The controller advised of wind conditions (020 degrees at 6 knots, gusting 17 knots, visibility 10+ km, no precipitation). The aircraft was cleared to land on runway 19. The pilot reported a normal approach with turbulence on short final, with three green landing gear indications. After main wheel touchdown, the pilot applied firm nose-down pressure as the aircraft seemed to lift off. Shortly after the nose wheel contacted the runway, the pilot observed a lower-than-normal pitch attitude and suspected nose gear retraction. He attempted to keep the nose off the runway, but the fuselage contacted the runway 1,066 feet from the threshold. The aircraft came to rest approximately 2,050 feet from the threshold, and all occupants disembarked.
Damage to Aircraft
The underside of the fuselage from FS20 to FS54 was grazed. The nose gear was extended but not positively locked. The aft left and right nose gear doors were bent and chafed; the forward doors showed no obvious damage. The upper support mounting bracket for the nose gear actuator was broken, possibly detaching the actuator. Cracks were found on the lower right-side skin of the nose wheel well. The hydraulic system was serviceable with no leaks. Engines, propellers, and other systems appeared to function normally.
Personnel Information
The pilot, a 37-year-old male, held a US FAA Commercial Pilot License with an Instrument Rating. He was current on the Aero Commander 500 type; his last Proficiency Check was on 14 July 2017, and his most recent Third Class Medical certificate was issued on 30 January 2018.
Aircraft Information
- Registration: N590DR
- Type: Aero Commander 500-S
- Serial No: 1817-23
- Date of Construction: 1968
- Certificate of Airworthiness: Valid from 5 May 1978
- Category: Normal
- Total Aircraft Time: 4,420.9 hours
The aircraft was not fitted with a flight recorder (not required for weight under 5,700 kg).
Aerodrome Information
Canefield Airport (TDCF) is on the west coast of Dominica. Runway 19 is asphalt, with a landing distance available of 2,998 feet.
Conclusion
The investigation concluded that it is likely that the application of nose-down pressure on the control column resulted in the nose wheel contacting the runway with sufficient force to detach the nose wheel actuator from its attachment point, causing the nose wheel collapse.
Safety Recommendations
The report issued two safety recommendations: (1) that the Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority (DASPA) be made aware of the requirement to advise the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) promptly of any accident or incident in Dominica; and (2) that DASPA be advised that ECCAA approval is required before moving any wreckage, except as needed to extricate persons or prevent fire.