What happened
On 26 June 2010, a P and M Quik GT450, registration G-CDTO, was performing a private flight at Perth Aerodrome, Scotland. The pilot conducted a glide approach to runway 09, where the wind conditions were recorded at 090º/12 kt. While the initial touchdown was considered normal by the pilot, the front forks of the nose landing gear failed at the moment of impact. This failure caused the nosewheel to fold, preventing the aircraft from clearing the runway. The aircraft slid for roughly 20 metres along the runway surface before coming to a halt. The pilot subsequently notified Perth Radio that the aircraft was unable to vacate the runway.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. An instructor and co-owner of the aircraft were present at the airfield and observed the landing from a rearward position. Following the incident, the aircraft sustained damage to the underside of the fuselage and the nose landing gear. To determine the underlying cause, the owners committed to forwarding the damaged front forks to the aircraft manufacturer for a detailed examination to identify any evidence of pre-existing damage or fatigue.