Introduction
A post-maintenance check flight encountered a nose gear malfunction during the initial climb. The aircraft had just undergone maintenance work, and the flight was intended to verify its airworthiness.
Sequence of Events
During gear retraction on the initial climb, the gear unlocked light remained illuminated, and the gear extend/retract motor circuit breaker popped. The pilot reset the circuit breaker and subsequently heard a loud pop emanating from the nose section of the aircraft. The pilot then extended the landing gear, but the nose gear extended only partially. The pilot circled the field for approximately three hours, attempting unsuccessfully to lower the nose gear using emergency extension procedures. Ultimately, the pilot landed the aircraft, shutting down the engines and feathering the propellers before lowering the nose onto the partially extended nose gear.
Investigation Findings
An investigation into the incident revealed that the nose gear linkage had been disconnected during maintenance and was not reconnected before the flight. This oversight prevented the nose gear from retracting and extending normally.
Probable Cause
The nose gear linkage had been disconnected during maintenance and was not reconnected.