Synopsis
On 23 September 2006, a Jabiru J430 (registration ZU-EFW) was operating a private flight from Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB) to Pyramid Aerodrome in Gauteng. The pilot reported that the approach and landing were normal. However, during the landing roll on Runway 30, the aircraft began braking even though the pilot had not applied the brakes. The airspeed reduced to approximately 20 knots, at which point the tail plane rose slightly and the propeller made contact with the ground. The propeller stopped and broke off as a result. The aircraft then came to a halt, the tail plane lowered, and it came to rest on all three wheels. The pilot sustained no injuries. The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and nose gear.
Investigation
Inspection of the aircraft revealed that the nose wheel spat had dislodged and made contact with the nose wheel. The spat prevented the nose wheel from turning, which caused it to slide on the grass-covered runway. The nose wheel started to dig into the ground, and the tail plane lifted, resulting in the propeller contacting the ground. The last Annual Inspection was carried out on 5 July 2006 at 0.0 flying hours, and a 25-hour inspection was carried out on 14 August 2006 at 25.9 flying hours. The aircraft had operated for 20.2 flying hours since the last inspection at 25 hours.
Probable Cause
The nose wheel spat dislodged, restricting the rotation of the nose wheel, which then dug into the ground, lifting the tail plane.