Airframe event involving a Piper PA-34-200, VH-SVS, Parafield, South Australia, on 17 April 1995

The pilot made a slightly heavier than normal landing. During the landing roll the nose gear down light extinguished, and the nose gear collapsed.

An investigation revealed the nose gear retraction ram mounting bracket had failed, allowing the nose gear to fold rearwards.

The aircraft had been involved in a similar occurrence 70 hours previously when the original factory installed aluminium mounting bracket failed. The bracket used to effect the repair was made from the same type of material, and had failed in a similar manner

Later models of this type of aircraft are fitted with a steel bracket.

Research of the Bureau's occurrences database, and contact with the manufacturer did not indicate this type of aluminium bracket was unduly prone to failure. Because the new stronger steel bracket is now available from the manufacturer no further safety action is considered necessary.