Nose gear failure during training flight at Stapleford Airfield

Casualties unknown • Stapleford Airfield, Essex, GB

A Piper PA-34-200-2 experienced a nose landing gear malfunction during a training flight, resulting in a forced landing on a grass runway.

What happened

On 31 December 2001, a Piper PA-34-200-2, registration G-ELBC, was conducting a training flight at Stapfold Airfield, Essex, with an instructor and a student pilot on board. Shortly after takeoff, the crew attempted to retract the landing gear, but the 'Gear in Transit/Unsafe' light remained illuminated. Upon re-selecting the gear to the down position, the instructor noted that while the main gear indicated as locked, the nose gear lacked a positive indication. Visual inspection via an external mirror revealed the nose gear was stuck approximately halfway through its extension.

After attempting all available procedures to deploy the gear without success, the instructor decided to return to the airfield. To assist with the landing, the student was moved to a rear seat to shift the centre of gravity rearwards. During the approach, the instructor feathered both propellers. The aircraft performed a flapless landing, with the pilot maintaining a high nose attitude to avoid ground contact. The nose eventually descended onto a grass runway at approximately 20 kt, causing minor damage to the nosecone, nose landing gear doors, and the nose gear centering mechanism.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the nose gear assembly. Maintenance personnel from the operator examined the aircraft and discovered that a roller on the nose-leg steering arm had been displaced from its track due to a lateral overload. Additionally, the attachment bolt for this component had been bent. This failure prevented the nosewheel steering mechanism from returning to its centre position, which subsequently caused the gear to jam during the retraction sequence.

Further investigation into ground handling practices revealed that the aircraft's steering limits had been exceeded while the aircraft was being towed by a tractor.

Findings

  • The nose landing gear failed to extend because the steering mechanism jammed due to a lateral overload on the steering arm roller.
  • The overload occurred during a previous ground handling event where the aircraft was being towed beyond its steering limits.
  • The crew successfully managed the emergency by adjusting the centre of gravity and performing a controlled landing on a grass strip.

Probable cause

The nose landing gear became jammed during retraction because the steering arm roller was forced out of its track by lateral forces applied during an aircraft tow.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-12-31 Piper PA-34-200-2 accident near Stapleford Airfield, Essex, GB?

A Piper PA-34-200-2 experienced a nose landing gear malfunction during a training flight, resulting in a forced landing on a grass runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-12-31 involved a Piper PA-34-200-2, registration G-ELBC, at Stapleford Airfield, Essex, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The nose landing gear became jammed during retraction because the steering arm roller was forced out of its track by lateral forces applied during an aircraft tow.

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