What happened
On October 12, 2019, at approximately 15:55 local time, a Socata TB 20, registration HB-KBS, was performing a private VFR flight from Reichenbach to Grenchen. During the landing phase at Grenchen Airport (LSZG), the aircraft's nose gear collapsed upon touchdown. Following the structural failure, the aircraft traveled approximately 100 meters along the runway before veering to the left and exiting the paved surface. The aircraft eventually came to a halt in an adjacent meadow.
The investigation
The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) initiated an investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the gear failure. The investigation focused on the sequence of events from the moment of touchdown to the aircraft's departure from the runway. There were no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board, and no third-party injuries were reported.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was the collapse of the nose landing gear during the landing roll.
- The aircraft sustained light damage, and minor damage was also noted to the surrounding ground area.
- The flight was conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) for private purposes.