Lately
it seems that nose wheels are being busted as if they were meant to be
destroyed. In a recent FAA accident report, there were no less than “six nose
wheels destroyed on landing” reported on a single weekend. Wow that takes some
doing. The thing that really got my attention was this occurred in six
different models, including a small twin. What I would like to know is: how
does one destroy a nose wheel on landing? The only answer I can come up with is
this: by landing with full aircraft weight on them. This means that the pilot
failed to properly flare the plane, bleed off airspeed and then touch down on
the mains. Occasionally a three point landing can be done, but carefully after
slowing down properly, with enough back pressure on the elevator to shift most
of the weight back on the mains. This can be a useful procedure in a short
field situation, where braking immediately after touchdown is required.*
I
remember one flight in my B-55 Baron. It required landing on a short 1950 foot
runway at night. Little if any headwind,
so braking would be at a premium. It was marginal VFR, with slightly limited visibility.
It was almost straight in after
following the VOR procedure approach, speed down to 95 knots, partial flaps
gear down and runway in sight. Half a mile to go, time for a GUMPP check. That
stands for: Gas, Undercarriage, Mixture, Props, Pump (fuel). OK, three in the
green, (something so important to check).** Coming up on the threshold lights,
start easing the power back, check props full forward (again a must if a go-around is to be done).
Start back pressure on the control wheel, pulling the nose up and slowing the
plane. But not enough to stall. Now this
is key. I want to land as flat as possible as I will be stepping on the brakes
as soon as I touch down with the mains. If the nose is up high, the nose wheel
would slam down as the brakes take hold. Following the protocol I was able to
stop well before the runway end, not even close to the runway end red lights. You
can too with some appropriate practice!
In summary: to avoid slamming down the nose
wheel when landing, the goal is to land on the mains, with one exception
offered above (careful three point landing). This requires attention to
airspeed and attitude. Enjoy your flying, practice and be safe.
*Advice
offered here is rather general, and not meant to counter anything “your”
instructor might say. It might best be classified as: Food For Thought.
**Recently
I read about several moderate sized turboprops landing “gear up”.
