What happened
On May 17, 2017, a Mooney M20P, registration HB-DFF, was performing a private flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) at St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport (LSZR). During the landing phase on runway 28, the aircraft's nose gear collapsed backward. As the gear buckled, the propeller made contact with the runway surface. Following the impact, the aircraft slid approximately 30 to 35 meters along the nose gear before coming to a complete stop. The pilot sustained light injuries, while a passenger remained uninjured.
The investigation
The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) conducted a summary investigation into the incident. The inquiry focused on the mechanical failure of the landing gear assembly. Investigators determined that the nose gear struts had broken during the landing sequence. However, the investigation found that no components of the nose gear assembly had detached from the airframe.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the structural failure of the nose gear struts during the landing roll.
- The collapse of the gear led to secondary damage, including propeller damage and potential engine damage.
- The aircraft sustained light damage as a result of the impact and subsequent sliding.