Accident Details
On 31 May 2005, a Mooney M20C, registration ZS-CBJ, was involved in an accident while taxiing and parking at Lanseria Aerodrome (FALA), South Africa. The aircraft had landed on Runway 06L and was cleared to park on the main apron adjacent to the Skycare hangar. The pilot, a 46-year-old private license holder with 377 total flying hours (all on type), reported light and variable weather conditions with temperature 17°C and CAVOK visibility.
Narrative
After landing, the pilot taxied for approximately 10 minutes to reach the designated parking area. To position the aircraft west of the hangar, he increased engine power and applied left rudder to execute a 180° turn. During this maneuver, the nose landing gear collapsed, and the propeller struck the ground. The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and the lower structure of the engine cowlings.
Context and Contributing Factors
The pilot noted that the parking area had minimal space between the hangar and other aircraft. He stated that he over steered the rudders, which likely caused the nose wheel to move onto its side, overloading the push-pull controls and leading to the failure of the nose landing gear frame.
Maintenance Background
Two approved maintenance organizations (AMO 119 and AMO 044) had been audited in the two years preceding the accident. AMO 119 conducted its last audit on 28 February 2005, and AMO 044 on 17 September 2004; no major findings were identified in either. The aircraft's most recent mandatory periodic inspection (MPI) was performed on 24 November 2004 at a total of 4676.9 airframe hours. At that time, the engine had accumulated 4290.50 hours since new and 532.60 hours since overhaul; the propeller had 3221.80 hours since new and 463.90 hours since overhaul. The aircraft flew 44.1 hours between the last MPI and the accident.
Probable Cause
The most probable cause for the failure of the nose landing gear could be attributed to over steering of the nose wheel by the pilot during the execution of 180° turn. The contributing factor could be attributed to the confined space where the pilot was parking the aircraft.