What was found
ON RUN-UP BEFORE TAKEOFF, THE PILOT HEARD A POPPING NOISE AND RETURNED TO THE BLOCKS TO HAVE MAINTENANCE INSPECT THE NOSE LANDING GEAR. MAINTENANCE DISCOVERED THAT THE NOSE GEAR SPRING HAD BROKEN COMPLETELY AWAY AT THE REAR ATTACHMENT POINT (BEARING CAP/SUPPORT). THE APPARENT CAUSE OF PROBLEM, FAILURE OF NOSE GEAR SPRING (REAR DRAG LINK). MAINTENANCE IS REMOVING AND REPLACING THE NOSE GEAR SPRING. THE DEFECTIVE SECTION WILL BE SENT OUT FOR METALLURGICAL ANALYSIS TO DETERMINE IF A FLEETWIDE INSPECTION IS WARRANTED. THE AIRCRAFT IS EXPECTED TO RETURN TO SERVICE ON 10/6/05.