What happened
On 7 April 2013, a Piper PA-28R-180 Cherokee Arrow, registration G-AWAZ, was completing a short recreational flight lasting approximately 20 to 25 minutes. While returning to Elmsett Airfield in Suffolk, the pilot initiated a normal approach, calling finals at a distance of roughly 2 miles. During the approach, the landing gear was selected down and two stages of flap were applied. As the aircraft slowed to 80 mph, the pilot applied the third stage of flap.
Upon touchdown on the mainwheels, the nosewheel failed to remain upright. As the pilot allowed the nose to lower, the nose gear continued to drop until the propeller struck the ground. The aircraft subsequently slid to a gentle stop. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, exhaust pipe, and nosewheel doors.
The investigation
The investigation examined the mechanical state of the landing gear and the pilot's actions. Following the incident, the aircraft was towed to a hangar. During recovery, the pilot was able to manually extend the nose gear and move it into the downlock position, after which it remained secure. The pilot could not confirm if the 'three greens' indication had been observed prior to touchdown.
Maintenance inspections were conducted by a specialist company. The aircraft was placed on jacks, where multiple gear selections were performed. These tests demonstrated that all gear indications and audio warnings were functioning correctly. No electrical or mechanical faults were identified that would have prevented the gear from locking.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, nosewheel doors, and exhaust pipe.
- Post-accident maintenance testing confirmed that the landing gear system and associated warnings were fully operational.
- The nose gear failed to lock in the down position during the landing sequence.