Nose gear collapse during landing at Benešov

Casualties unknown • LKBE, CZ

A Piper PA-44 experienced a nose gear failure during landing at Benešov airport, resulting in significant damage to the aircraft's nose and engines.

What happened

On April 20, 2006, a Piper PA-44-180, registration OK-MLR, was performing a VFR flight from Příbram to Benešov (LKBE). During the landing sequence on runway 24, the aircraft's main gear first contacted the ground 22 meters before the runway threshold. This was followed by a bounce, leading to a subsequent impact of the nose gear with the ground on the grass surface, 7.6 meters past the threshold.

The impact caused the destruction of the nose gear strut, forcing the gear into the bay. As the aircraft continued to slide for 46 meters, the forward fuselage sustained significant damage. The impact also damaged the left engine and destroyed the propeller blades of both engines. The aircraft eventually came to a stop 53.6 meters from the threshold, oriented 7s° to the left of the runway centerline. There were no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board.

The investigation

The ÚZPLN investigation established that the pilot held a valid PPL with MEP rating and a current medical certificate. The aircraft was maintained according to regulations, with its most recent 500-hour and annual inspections completed in July 2005. The investigation confirmed that the technical condition of the aircraft, the weather conditions, and the airport infrastructure were not contributing factors to the accident.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an incorrect landing calculation and the pilot's subsequent failure to control the aircraft following a bounce, which led to the nose gear striking the ground.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-04-20 Pa - 44 accident near LKBE, CZ?

A Piper PA-44 experienced a nose gear failure during landing at Benešov airport, resulting in significant damage to the aircraft's nose and engines.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-04-20 involved a Pa - 44, at LKBE, CZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by an incorrect landing calculation and the pilot's subsequent failure to control the aircraft following a bounce, which led to the nose gear striking the ground.

Investigation report by the Czech Air Accidents Investigation Institute (UZPLN). Original record: https://uzpln.gov.cz/incident/255. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Ustav pro odborne zjistovani pricin leteckych nehod (UZPLN), Czech Republic.

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