AAIB investigation to Quik GT450, G-CFEX 16 August 2018
Nosewheel collapse on landing, Shobdon Airfield, Herefordshire, 16 August 2018.
Summary:
The aircraft was being used for circuit training. On the first circuit, the instructor was demonstrating a glide approach to a touch-and-go landing. On touchdown, the nosewheel collapsed. This was followed by the collapse of the front forks, which caused full throttle to be applied due to the position of the throttle pedal pivot. The aircraft began to accelerate and skidded on its nose off the runway before the engine could be stopped. The aircraft fibreglass pod was damaged as the aircraft skidded without a nosewheel, and several large stones impacted on one of the three propeller blades. Figure 1 shows the final position of G-CFEX off the runway. Inspections also revealed that the trike keel had suffered some deformation. The instructor and student, who were wearing helmets and lap straps were unhurt. G-CFEX had recently returned to flying after repairs to the front end of the aircraft from damage sustained in a forced landing.
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