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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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February 15, 1998 · Wilde Mickey Questair 20 Questair 2 · N94FA

Greensboro, NC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 15, 1998
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Greensboro, NC
Aircraft
Wilde Mickey Questair 20 Questair 2
Tail Number
N94FA
Operator
Howard F Auman
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL98LA043

According to the pilot, when he retracted the landing gear, the nose gear indicator light was red, indicating the gear was not up and locked. He recycled the gear and still saw a red light, so the pilot flew under the maximum gear extension speed. On approach, the pilot stated he extended the landing gear, and got a green indicator light, indicating the gear was down and locked. As the airplane touched down, the nose gear collapsed, and the airplane slid off the runway and nosed over. According to the FAA inspector, examination of the landing gear and skid marks on the runway revealed that the nose wheel was turned beyond its normal limits on touchdown. He stated that a Malfunction and Defect Report was submitted on the nose landing gear strut. According to the FAA, in conversations with the kit manufacturer, it was noted that the nose gear on this airplane was designed poorly, in that it must be installed perfectly to work correctly. Because of the inexperience of some kit builders, this can lead to problems. Both the FAA and the kit manufacturer believe that the servicing of the nose gear aggravated a pre-existing problem with the nose gear installation, which led to the collapse.

NTSB Probable Cause

The improper installation of the nose landing gear strut, which led to the collapse of the nose gear upon touchdown.

Full Narrative

On February 15, 1998, about 0910 eastern standard time, a Wilde Mickey Questair 20, N94FA, an experimental airplane, collapsed the nose gear at the Piedmont Triad International Airport, in Greensboro, North Carolina. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The private pilot received minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated from Atlanta, Georgia at 0730. According to the pilot, he departed Atlanta and retracted the landing gear. The nose gear indicator light was red, indicating the gear was not up and locked. He recycled the gear and still saw a red light, so the pilot flew under the maximum gear extension speed. As he approached Greensboro, the pilot stated he extended the landing gear, and got a green indicator light, indicating the gear was down and locked. As the airplane touched down, the nose gear collapsed, and the propeller struck the runway. The airplane slid off the runway in a left arc, and nosed over upon reaching the grass. According to the FAA inspector, examination of the airplane's nose landing gear and skid marks left on the runway revealed that the nose wheel was turned left beyond its normal travel limits at the time of touchdown. He also stated that a Malfunction and Defect Report was submitted for the airworthiness of the nose landing gear strut. According to the FAA, in conversations with the kit manufacturer, it was noted that the nose gear on this airplane is designed poorly, in that it must be installed perfectly to work correctly. Because of the inexperience of some kit builders, this can lead to problems with the nose gear. Both the FAA and the kit manufacturer believe that the servicing of the nose gear aggravated a pre-existing problem with the nose gear installation, which led to the collapse.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:10 EST
Nearest AirportPiedmont Triad Int. A/P (1nm NW)
Runway14
Runway Length6380 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWilde Mickey Questair 20 Questair 2
Tail NumberN94FA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHoward F Auman
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-550-G1B · Reciprocating · 280
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 3 kt
Visibility9 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 C / 27 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time14:32
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data