Nose gear collapse during landing at Lommis aerodrome

Casualties unknown • Lommis Flugplatz LSZT, TG, CH

An Aerostyle Breezer experienced a nose gear failure after encountering a depression on a grass runway during landing at Lommis.

What happened

On June 1, 2014, at 17:50 local time, an Aerostyle Breezer, registration HB-YLP, was performing a private VFR flight. The aircraft had previously departed from Speyer, Germany, where the landing gear had shown no irregularities on the paved runway. Upon approaching the Lommis aerodrome via the south approach sector, the pilot joined the traffic pattern and proceeded to land on runway 06.

The landing initially appeared stable, with the main gear contacting the runway shortly after the displaced threshold at a speed of approximately 45 knots, followed by the nose gear. However, as the aircraft moved along the grass runway, the nose gear encountered a depression in the terrain. This caused the nose wheel to lift and then strike the ground a second time with significant force. Following a subsequent oscillation of a similar nature, the nose gear collapsed.

The aircraft came to a halt in a short distance. While the aircraft sustained damage to the nose gear and propeller blades, and minor damage was noted to ground property, there were no fatalities. The pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries.

The investigation

SUST conducted a summary investigation based on available statements. The inquiry focused on the sequence of the landing roll and the condition of the runway surface at the time of the incident.

Probable cause

The collapse of the nose gear was caused by the aircraft encountering a depression in the grass runway, which induced heavy oscillations and subsequent structural failure of the nose gear.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2014-06-01 AEROSTYLE GMBH BREEZER accident near Lommis Flugplatz LSZT, TG, CH?

An Aerostyle Breezer experienced a nose gear failure after encountering a depression on a grass runway during landing at Lommis.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-06-01 involved a AEROSTYLE GMBH BREEZER, registration HB-YLP, at Lommis Flugplatz LSZT, TG, CH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collapse of the nose gear was caused by the aircraft encountering a depression in the grass runway, which induced heavy oscillations and subsequent structural failure of the nose gear.

Investigation report by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST). Original record: https://www.sust.admin.ch/inhalte/AV-berichte/HB-YLP.pdf. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB), Switzerland.

Loading the flight search…