What was found
AXLE NUT P/N MS 20364-624C (PIPER P/N 752-482) WORKED LOOSE AND FELL OFF OF NOSE GEAR AXLE TIE BOLT P/N 20854-00. THIS NUT IS ADJUSTED ONLY TIGHT ENOUGH TO REMOVE FREE PLAY ON NOSE WHEEL BEARINGS. IT IS NOT TORQUED TO A SPECIFIC TORQUE. WHEN NUT CAME OFF, THIS ALLOWED TIE BOLT TO SLIDE OUT OF NOSE GEAR TO THE SIDE. TIE BOLT THEN JAMMED NOSE GEAR IN THE UP POSITION. AFTER 1 HR OF TRYING TO DISLODGE L/G, ACFT LANDED WHEELS UP WITH NO INJURIES AND MINOR DAMAGE. SUBMITTER RECOMMENDED REPLACING ANY AXLE TIE BOLT WITH THREAD WEAR AND INSTALL NEW LOCKNUTS AND A SLIGHTLY LONGER TIE BOLT ALLOWING AN363C NUT (NOT THIN TYPE) OR DRILLED TIE BOLT FOR CASTLE NUT AND COTTER PIN ARRANGEMENT. TT ON ACFT IS 7,300 HRS.