What happened
On 3 January 1999, a Socata Rallye 235E, registration ZS-JSH, was engaged in a glider towing operation at Gariep Dam. The aircraft was performing its third glider tow of the day. During the landing sequence, the pilot followed standard procedures, maintaining a nose-up attitude upon touchdown. However, as the aircraft's nose descended, the pilot observed the plane dropping toward the ground at a rate higher than normal. This sudden descent caused the propeller to strike the runway surface. The pilot responded by applying full elevator back pressure, which allowed the aircraft to come to a stop with the tail elevated.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the mechanical state of the aircraft following the incident. The inspection focused on the landing gear assembly to determine why the aircraft failed to maintain its attitude during the landing roll. The investigation established that the aircraft's nose wheel had collapsed during the landing process.
Findings
- The primary cause of the propeller strike was the failure of the nose landing gear welding assembly.
- The structural failure of the welding assembly led to the collapse of the nose wheel.
- The collapse caused the aircraft to descend unexpectedly, resulting in contact between the propeller and the runway surface.