Airframe event involving a Cessna Aircraft Company 152, VH-HVI, Coolangatta, Aerodrome, QLD on 13 December 1996

A Major defect Report had been submitted in April 1995 after it was discovered that the nosewheel fork was cracked near the bolt hole, and the nosewheel fork was replaced. The replacement fork was actually a Cessna 150 part, the difference being the size of the axle bolt. The Cessna 150 fork which was fitted had an AN-4 bolt, whereas the correct fork had a larger AN-5 bolt. The pilots reported that after a normal landing the nosegear collapsed. The failure of the bolt at the head appears to be due to fatigue as a result of excessive working loads on the smaller diameter bolt.