What happened
On 24 May 2014, a Tri Kis, registration G-BZDR, was performing a private flight when it arrived at Perth Airport, Scotland. The pilot executed a standard approach and landing on Runway 2 and reported light wind conditions.
During the subsequent ground roll, the pilot heard a distinct metallic sound and a loud 'dink', which was immediately followed by intense nosewheel shimmy. Suspecting a tyre puncture, the pilot attempted to unload the nosewheel by holding the control column in the aft position. However, a loud scraping noise from the nosewheel area prompted the pilot to shut down the engine. The aircraft eventually came to a stop on the runway, with the engine's propeller blades resting on the ground.
There were no injuries to the pilot, and the aircraft sustained damage to the nose landing gear assembly, the propeller, and the engine, which suffered a shock-load.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the accident report submitted by the pilot. Examination of the aircraft revealed that the nose landing gear leg had suffered a structural failure, specifically involving one side of the fork. Both the aircraft owner and the maintenance organisation involved in the subsequent inspection noted visual evidence of a fatigue failure on the gear leg. It was noted that the AAIB and the Light Aircraft Association were unable to inspect the component prior to its repair.