Primary finding
Probable cause
The nose landing gear collapse for reasons that could not be determined because examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The two pilots, both of whom were flight instructors, were practicing a single-engine approach and landing when the incident occurred. Both pilots reported that all three landing gear position lights indicated that the landing gear were down and locked before landing, and the pilot flying described the landing as "normal." During the landing roll, the pilot not flying observed the landing gear position lights flicker, and the nose landing gear subsequently collapsed. The airplane was subsequently placed on jacks, and the landing gear were cycled. The landing gear extended, locked, and retracted normally, and the flickering of the gear position lights could not be replicated.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 31, 2014, about 1430 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-44-180, N216FW, sustained minor damage during a nose landing gear collapse on landing roll at Cecil Airport (VQQ), Jacksonville, Florida. The two flight instructors onboard were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the instructional flight, which was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Both pilots provided statements, and their statements were consistent throughout. They were conducting a single-engine approach and landing when the event occurred. All three landing gear position lights indicated that the landing gear were down and locked prior to landing, and the pilot flying described the landing as "normal." During the landing roll, the second pilot observed the landing gear position lights flicker, and the nose landing gear subsequently collapsed. The pilots secured the airplane and egressed on the runway. Examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed minor damage to the airplane's nose cone and propeller blades. The airplane was placed on jacks and the landing gear was cycled. The landing gear extended, locked, and retracted normally, and the flickering of the gear position lights could not be replicated. The airplane was subsequently issued a ferry permit to return to its base for repairs.