A couple of days ago I was flying a PA28R 200 mk1.
During a descent from FL 60 at 500'/min, 120-130kts TAS, 18" MP 2400rpm there was a bang and a lot of noise and vibration from the front end. The gear in transit light also came on.This occurred at 4000'.
After about 30 seconds in which I was deciding whether I was going to land in the nearest field and get the Eurostar home, the noise stopped and everthing was normal.
After a tower insepection of the gear I landed OK.
On the ground I discovered half of the nosegear door missing on the starboard side
It has been implied that it was my fault because;
a) I must have exceeded Vne, well this is almost impossible without a 60deg bank nose to the ground and full power, I am sure I would have noticed - besides I was doing a cross channel check on someone and I think they would have noticed too.
or
b) I put the gear down at too high speed, well I did not. I have a lot of time on complex a/c and I am quite pedantic about speeds especially when I am teaching.
both of which are b
ks
c) a birdstrike, except there was no debris.
Has anyone of you experts got an idea of what might have caused this?
Often the gear in transit light comes on in a tight turn or when levelling off from a descent. I mentioned this a lot but am told by the owner it is normal.
The other question is please does anyone have a source for this part as now the a/c is grounded.
thanks
