On July 24, 2009, about 2230 UTC, a Virgin Blue, Boeing 737-700 airplane, registration VH-VBA, sufferend a failue of the nose landing gear axle. During taxi for takeoff, the right nosewheel separated from the nose landing gear leg. The aircraft was able to be taxiied back to the gate. Initial examination of the landing gear indicates a region of fatigue cracking in the lower section of the landing gear axle, which has subsequently failed. The ATSB dispatched an investigation team to Melbourne Airport and will be recovering the components for specialist examination. The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the government of Australia. Further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from: Australian Transport Safety Bureau 62 Northbourne Avenue Canberra ACT 2601 Tel: (02) 6257 4150 Tel International: +61 2 6257 4150 Fax: (02) 6247 3117 Email: atsbinfo@atsb.gov.au www.atsb.gov.au This report is for informational purposes only and contains only information obtained for, or released by, the Government of Australia.