Register

August 1, 2012, Titusville, Fla., Piper PA-44-180 Seminole

The airplane was substantially damaged when its nose landing gear collapsed on landing. The CFI, a private pilot and a passenger were not injured. Visual conditions prevailed. According to the CFI, the airplane was released from maintenance for a faulty nosegear indicator light the day before. While practicing ILS approaches, the nosegear indicator light did not indicate down and locked. However, the flight instructor observed the nose gear was extended.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An airplane sustained substantial damage when its nose landing gear collapsed on landing, an event preceded by a malfunctioning nose gear indicator light, although the CFI visually confirmed the gear's extension.
  • Investigation revealed critical maintenance failures, including out-of-adjustment nose landing gear components and an empty hydraulic reservoir, on an aircraft recently released from maintenance for a related indicator light issue.
See a mistake? Contact us.

The airplane was substantially damaged when its nose landing gear collapsed on landing. The CFI, a private pilot and a passenger were not injured. Visual conditions prevailed.

According to the CFI, the airplane was released from maintenance for a faulty nosegear indicator light the day before. While practicing ILS approaches, the nosegear indicator light did not indicate down and locked. However, the flight instructor observed the nose gear was extended. He cycled the landing gear without any changes to the nosegear indicator light and subsequently attempted to land. The airplane landed on the main landing gear but the nose landing gear collapsed at it touched down. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its fuselage around the nose gear. Examination revealed nose landing gear components were out of adjustment and the hydraulic reservoir was empty.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE