Incident Overview
Following takeoff for a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 135 check ride, the aircrew were unable to obtain a positive up indication for the landing gear. The crew then recycled the landing gear, but subsequently the left main gear would not provide a down and locked indication. Repeated attempts to extend the left main gear were unsuccessful.
Malfunction and Actions
After exhausting efforts to resolve the landing gear issue, the fuel load was reduced in preparation for an emergency landing. The aircraft then performed a wheels-up landing, during which the landing gear remained retracted.
Investigation Findings
An investigation into the incident revealed a mechanical malfunction within the gear extension/retraction system. The specific nature of the malfunction was identified as a failure in the mechanism responsible for moving the landing gear between its extended and retracted positions.