Piper PA-44, VH-IJA, Bankstown Airport, New South Wales, on 7 February 1989

Circumstances:

The left seat pilot was undergoing his second session of endorsement training in the aircraft. After a cross-country exercise under simulated instrument flight conditions, the aircraft returned for a landing on runway 11 Left. The pilots reported that the undercarriage was selected down on the downwind leg and confirmed by three green lights and the left engine nacelle mirror. The approach and landing were reported to be normal, with initial touchdown on the main wheels. Soon after the nosewheel contacted the ground, the nose gear collapsed. Examination of the nose gear down lock mechanism, indicated that it had been subjected to considerable forces which could only be attributed to a heavy landing or landings. These forces had dislodged the down lock roller and stop bolt away from the down lock hook. Subsequent forces then allowed the nose gear to retract and hence collapse.

Significant Factors:

The following factors were considered relevant to the development of the accident:

1. Nose gear mechanism had been damaged by a heavy landing or landings. This accident was not the subject of an on-scene investigation.