What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-07-15 involved a Van's RV-6A, registration G-RVSA, at Inverness Airport, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The nosewheel dug into the ground at the crest of a grass runway, causing the aircraft to pitch forward and damaging the nose landing gear.

Nose landing gear damage during takeoff from grass strip

A Van's RV-6A experienced a nosewheel dig-in during takeoff from a grass runway near Dingwall, resulting in structural damage to the landing gear.

What happened

On 15 July 2006, a Van's RV-6A, registration G-RVSA, was performing a private flight from a grass airstrip at Knockbain Farm, near Dingwall, Ross-shire. As the aircraft approached the crest of the runway, just before reaching flying speed, the nosewheel suddenly dug into the ground. This impact caused the aircraft to pitch forward, though the pilot managed to maintain the takeoff roll and become airborne a few seconds later.

Concerned by the event, the pilot proceeded to Inverness Airport to perform a fly-past. Observers on the ground noted that the nosewheel leg had been bent backwards by roughly 30 degrees and the nosewheel yoke assembly was distorted, leaving the front of the wheel spat angled downwards at approximately 4le45 degrees. Upon landing at Inverness, the nosewheel was held off the runway until the speed dropped to about 15 knots. During the rollout, the nosewheel spat and wheel attachment nut sustained further abrasion damage.

The investigation

The investigation examined the takeoff conditions and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The runway at Knockbain Farm features an up-slope at both ends with a crest in the middle. The pilot, who had significant general flying experience but only three hours on this specific type, noted that the aircraft's short wheelbase and high tyre pressure might contribute to a tendency to porpoise on certain surfaces. It was also noted that the pilot's relative inexperience with the Van's RV-6A might have played a role in the handling of the event.

Findings

The nosewheel dug into the ground at the runway crest, causing the aircraft to pitch forward.
The nosewheel digging into the ground was the primary cause of the structural damage.
The pilot's limited experience on the specific aircraft type may have contributed to the incident.
Potential changes in wind speed or direction at the moment the aircraft reached the runway crest may have contributed to the pitch-down motion.
The aircraft's design characteristics, including a short wheelbase and high tyre pressure, may make it prone to porpoising on specific surfaces, potentially exacerbating the event.