What happened
On 12 December 2007, a Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II, registration G-BEVG, was performing a private flight from Kemble to Sibson Airfield. The aircraft landed on Runway 24 in light winds with no significant crosswind. While the touchdown was smooth and the pilot received the 'three greens' indication confirming the gear was locked, a loud noise was heard almost immediately after contact. The nose landing gear collapsed, causing the nose structure and both propellers to strike the ground. The pilot attempted to use left rudder to steer the aircraft away from the side of the runway, but the aircraft eventually came to rest left of the centre line. There were no injuries to the pilot or the two passengers on board.
The investigation
Following the accident, the aircraft was lifted to inspect the nose landing gear. During this process, the gear leg swung down under gravity and locked into its normal position, and the 'three greens' indication was confirmed. Subsequent inspections by a maintenance organisation found no broken or damaged components. However, investigators noted wear in the bushings and bolts within the drag link and the aft attachment of the actuator. Furthermore, the grease on the gear components was found to be old, which likely caused stiffness in the linkage. The investigation also reviewed maintenance records, noting that a specific bolt had been replaced in accordance with an Airworthiness Directive (AD) earlier that year.
Findings
- The nose landing gear collapsed due to the cumulative effect of component wear and stiff linkage caused by old grease.
- Wear was observed in the drag link bushings, bolts, and the actuator attachment.
- The undulating surface of the grass runway may have contributed to the collapse.
- The aircraft had completed approximately 45 flights since its last annual inspection.