Synopsis
On 12 August 2005, a Cessna RA F172N, registration HB-CCT, operated by Fluggruppe FFA, experienced a loss of control after landing on runway 05 at Yverdon-les-Bains aerodrome. The aircraft departed the runway to the left and collided with a glider trailer. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The aircraft sustained damage to the nose wheel assembly and the left wing leading edge.
Flight History
The pilot, a student training for a Private Pilot License, was conducting a solo navigation flight from Altenrhein Airport. The flight proceeded uneventfully across the Swiss plateau. At approximately 11:35 LT, the pilot contacted the AFIS frequency at Yverdon-les-Bains and indicated his intention to join the circuit for runway 05. The aircraft was configured for landing with an approach speed of 65 kt. Weather conditions were good with light wind from the north-east at 2-4 kt.
The touchdown occurred in two phases: a somewhat hard initial contact on the main landing gear followed by a slight bounce. As the nose wheel contacted the runway, the pilot noted a leftward deviation. The aircraft left the paved surface, traveled approximately 200 m across grass, and struck a glider trailer, coming to rest at low speed. The engine was shut down after the stop. The pilot exited unaided and reported no injuries. He could not recall whether he applied rudder or brakes to correct the trajectory.
Aircraft Information
The Cessna RA F172N (serial number 1885, built 1979) was a four-seat, high-wing, single-engine aircraft with fixed tricycle landing gear. The nose wheel rim was a Goodyear part number 9532926. Maintenance records showed the last 100-hour inspection on 4 June 2005 and a 50-hour inspection on 6 August 2005. The aircraft had flown 5664:37 hours total with approximately 9650 landings. At the time of the accident, weight and center of gravity were within limits.
Findings
Technical examination of the nose wheel assembly revealed numerous fatigue cracks on the nose wheel rim, particularly on the right half. A small segment of the rim flange had broken off, leading to complete failure and deflation of the inner tube. The tire then slipped off the rim, causing the aircraft to veer left. The wheel axle and bearings showed no anomalies; no deformation indicative of a hard impact was found. The left wing's leading edge sustained damage from contact with the glider trailer.
Causes
The accident was attributed to the pilot's loss of control after landing due to a fracture of the nose wheel rim.