Investigation number
199302694
Occurrence date
State
New South Wales
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence category
Accident

The nose landing gear collapsed during the take off roll causing both propellers to strike the runway whilst operating at full power. Subsequent investigation revealed that a rigid hydraulic line had failed causing the loss of all hydraulic pressure. This lack of hydraulic pressure probably allowed vibrations to unlock the nose leg over-centre lock during the take off roll. Examination of the failed hydraulic line revealed that there was thinning of the pipe wall at the failure where the pipe was supported by a 'P' clamp, possibly the result of corrosion. Significant Factors: Failure of a hydraulic pressure pipe, possibly due to corrosion, resulted in loss of all hydraulic pressure. The nose landing gear over-centre lock probably unlocked due to vibration.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Piper Aircraft Corp
Model
PA-34-200
Registration
VH-ESY
Sector
Piston
Departure point
Jerilderie NSW
Destination
Wagga Wagga NSW
Damage
Substantial