On March 27, 1982, a Cessna 310D (registration N6817T) operated by Lee R. Bratcher was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft sustained damage during landing after nose gear jammed following maintenance on cabin heater. Examination revealed worn components and lack of lubrication.
Accident Sequence
Just prior to the accident, maintenance had been performed on the aircraft, including work on the cabin heater located in the nose wheel well area. After takeoff for a ferry flight to a nearby airport, the nose wheel became jammed as the landing gear was retracted. While the main gear could be cycled, the nose gear would not extend. The pilot landed with the main gear extended, and during landing the nose section and propeller tips were damaged as the nose was lowered to the runway.
Examination Findings
A post-accident examination revealed that the left nose gear door was partially closed when the nose gear retracted, and the nose gear and strut had crushed the door inward and upward. The centering cam/wheel straightener, the upper nose wheel steering mechanism, and the gear retract arm mechanisms on the nose gear doors were found to be worn. Additionally, a lack of lubrication was noted in the nose gear assembly. The aircraft had been flown approximately 15 hours since its last annual inspection.