C130 NLG Strut failure.
If the strut suffered a fracture it is not the first time. A97-213, in Madang PNG, suffered a complete breakaway of the axle from the base of the strut. The only thing holding it together was the scissor link, which fortunately allowed the NLG to be held in position and, with a very careful lowering of the nose on landing, the broken strut settled on top of the axle with minimal secondary damage being suffered. This occurred in about October 1972 during famine relief operations when we were based in Madang and were flying into Mendi. The pilot was known as , "The Lockheed Legend". Those who knew DS will know whom I mean.