On Thursday 14 December 2000, at 1804, Piper PA23-250D Aztec ZK-DIR landed at Gisborne Aerodrome. Shortly after landing its nose undercarriage leg collapsed aft. The pilot and 4 passengers on board the aircraft were uninjured.
Nothing conclusive was found showing why the undercarriage leg collapsed. Three scenarios are discussed as possible causes. The more likely possible cause was that play in the drag strut bushes somehow contributed to a mechanical down lock malfunction, but this could not be replicated during testing.
No safety issues were identified.
