Pilot Debrief

Diamond Aircraft Industries DA 20-C1 near Spanish Fork, UT — 2008-03-09

Final reportSEA08LA090
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Date
2008-03-09
Location
Spanish Fork, UT, USA
Airport
U77
Aircraft
Diamond Aircraft Industries DA 20-C1
Registration
N765DC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The fatigue failure of the nose wheel fork assembly attachment stud/bolt during takeoff initial climb, and the collapse of the nose gear during landing.

NTSB narrative

During the initial climb after takeoff, the pilot heard a "loud bang" originating from the rear of the airplane, and he decided to circle around the airport and land. As the nose of the airplane settled during the landing roll, the nose wheel strut folded aft into the fuselage, resulting in structural damage to the airframe. Examination of the airplane revealed that the nose wheel fork assembly and tire had separated from the nose wheel strut during takeoff. Examination of the nose wheel fork assembly attachment stud/bolt revealed fracture features consistent with fatigue and overload. Evidence of oxidation and/or corrosion was also present on the fracture surface.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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