History of the Flight
On 19 April 2009, a Piper PA-46-310P Malibu, registration N9122N, operated a private flight from Oxford to Guernsey Airport. The aircraft was vectored for an ILS approach to Runway 09 with a reported wind of 15 kt from 040°. The landing gear was lowered normally, and three green down-and-locked lights illuminated.
After crossing the threshold at 90 kt, the aircraft touched down on the main wheels without incident. However, as the speed decreased and the nosewheel contacted the runway, a screeching noise was heard and the aircraft yawed violently to the left. The pilot immediately applied full power to initiate a go-around. Once airborne, the tower was informed, and a low fly-past was requested for a visual inspection.
As the aircraft turned downwind, the tower advised that the nosewheel appeared offset by about 45° and recommended against retraction. A low pass confirmed the offset. After unsuccessful attempts to realign the nosewheel by rocking and yawing, the pilot declared an intention to make a short-field landing approach at the lowest safe speed, holding the nosewheel off the runway as long as possible.
Following a departing aircraft, the passengers were briefed for an emergency landing. A low-level short-field approach was executed, crossing the threshold at 80 kt. The aircraft touched down on the main wheels, and the nosewheel was kept off the ground until speed reduced. Upon nosewheel contact, the aircraft again yawed violently left. Directional control was only marginally maintained through asymmetric braking. The aircraft came to rest with minor damage: light scratching on the leading edge of a landing gear door that had struck and broken a glass runway light. Shutdown was completed, and all four occupants vacated safely using the main door.
Investigation
Examination revealed an overload failure of the threaded section of the steering actuation/damper rod end-fitting at its aft end attachment to the steering arm. This failure was caused by a seizure of the ‘rose joint’ bearing element into its housing, which resulted in abnormal bending loads during the initial touchdown.
Damage
The aircraft sustained minor damage to the right landing gear wheel cover. Additionally, light scratching was noted on the leading edge of a landing gear door.