What happened
On 02 December 2016, a Diamond DA 20-C1, registration ZS-SNM, departed Fisantekraal airfield (FAFK) for a scheduled training flight. The flight, involving an instructor and a student pilot, was intended to perform a simulated engine failure exercise before returning to the airfield.
As the aircraft accelerated down runway 23, the nose wheel and fork assembly detached from the aircraft. An eyewitness positioned near the runway observed the wheel separating and used the radio to alert the instructor. Following the notification, the instructor took control of the aircraft and managed the student pilot's reactions. After completing one circuit and receiving a damage assessment from the Chief Flying Instructor, the instructor climbed to 2,000 feet to wait for emergency services.
Upon returning for a landing, the pilot executed a normal touchdown. However, the remaining nose gear oleo skidded along the runway until it became pinned at a runway intersection, causing the aircraft to bounce into the air. Upon the second impact, the nose gear oleo collapsed, and the aircraft continued to skid until it reached a complete stop. There were no injuries to the occupants, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the sequence of events leading to the landing. The inquiry established that the nose wheel bolt had sheared off during the takeoff roll. Further examination of the components revealed that the nose landing gear stud was cracked, which led to the structural failure of the assembly during the acceleration phase.
Findings
- The primary cause of the loss of the nose wheel assembly was a cracked nose landing gear stud.
- The shearing of the bolt holding the wheel caused the nose wheel and fork assembly to separate from the aircraft.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the cowling, exhaust, propeller tip, and the nose gear assembly.
- The secondary impact during landing resulted in the nose gear oleo collapsing and the strut being pushed into the lower firewall and center console.