What happened
On April 22, 2022, at 13:45 UTC, a Tecnam P2008JC, registration TC-UEG, was performing training and proficiency maneuvers at Cappadocia Airport (LTAZ). The flight, operated by Vizyon Havacılık San. ve Tic. A.Ş., involved a flight instructor and a safety pilot conducting circuit landings on runway 29. Following the sixth landing attempt, the aircraft was decelerating on the runway when the nose gear separated from the airframe. The crew managed to maintain the runway centerline and brought the aircraft to a complete stop without further incident. There were no fatalities or injuries.
The investigation
The UEİM investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance history, flight logs, and the crew's performance. Records indicated that the aircraft was undergoing regular maintenance, with its last 200-hour check completed in February 2022, and no open maintenance items were noted. The investigation also reviewed meteorological conditions, which were favorable (CAVOK), and confirmed that the aircraft was within weight and balance limits. The investigation focused on the sequence of landings and the specific mechanical failure of the nose gear assembly.
Findings
- The nose gear assembly sustained significant damage, including a damaged threaded shaft, fork, and both internal and external bushings.
- The nose wheel and its bearing were also damaged.
- There was evidence of tire contact on the lower part of the nose gear tubular leg and the right strut extrusion cover.
- The investigation determined that the nose gear separation was caused by a hard landing.
- The instructor pilot failed to meet necessary instructional standards, and the safety pilot failed to adequately perform their supervisory role during the training session.