Nose Gear Failure Leads to Runway Excursion in Cessna T210N

Casualties unknown • On Runway 09 at Ndlopfu Farm, ZA

A nose landing gear collapse during landing at a private South African aerodrome resulted in substantial damage to a Cessna T210N, though no injuries were reported.

What happened

On 26 April 2007, a Cessna T210N, registration ZS-MKO, was performing a private daytime VFR flight from Nelspruit Aerodrome to Ndlop．ofu Farm. Upon landing on Runway 09 at the unlicensed private aerodrome, the pilot noticed the nose section of the aircraft began to drop unexpectedly. To mitigate the impact, the pilot attempted to maintain a high nose attitude during the landing roll for as long as possible. However, as the aircraft slowed, the nose wheel made contact with the runway surface and collapsed. This triggered a 90-degree ground loop to the right, followed by a propeller strike. While the aircraft sustained substantial damage, the pilot and passenger escaped without injury.

The investigation

An investigation by the SACAA AIID focused on the mechanical failure of the nose landing gear. During the recovery of the aircraft, maintenance personnel identified that the lower trunnion of the nose landing gear assembly had failed. The investigation scrutinized the aircraft's maintenance history, specifically regarding Service Bulletin SEB94-19. This bulletin, issued by the manufacturer, mandates crack inspections for specific lower trunnion part numbers and requires replacement with a strengthened version to prevent gear collapse during operations.

Investigators found that while the maintenance organization claimed a strengthened trunnion (part number 124302-15) had been installed, there was no documentary evidence in the aircraft's records to verify this. Furthermore, there was no clear evidence that the required periodic inspections mandated by the service bulletin had been performed.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was the failure of the nose landing gear lower trunnion assembly, which led to the gear collapse and subsequent runway excursion.
  • The damage observed on the trunnion was consistent with the types of failures described in the manufacturer's service bulletin.
  • There was a lack of verifiable documentation regarding the installation of the upgraded, strengthened trunnion.
  • No evidence could be found to confirm that the mandatory crack inspections required by Service Bulletin SEB94-19 had been completed.

Probable cause

The failure of the nose landing gear lower trunnion assembly caused the nose gear to collapse during the landing roll, resulting in the aircraft departing the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2007-04-26 Cessna T 210 C accident near On Runway 09 at Ndlopfu Farm, ZA?

A nose landing gear collapse during landing at a private South African aerodrome resulted in substantial damage to a Cessna T210N, though no injuries were reported.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2007-04-26 involved a Cessna T 210 C, registration ZS-MKO, at On Runway 09 at Ndlopfu Farm, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the nose landing gear lower trunnion assembly caused the nose gear to collapse during the landing roll, resulting in the aircraft departing the runway.

Loading the flight search…