Incident Details
The pilot reported that after failing to obtain a 'gear down' light, he cycled the landing gear but still received no indication. He attempted to contact someone on the Unicom frequency for a visual check from the ground but received no response. Despite the unresolved gear status, the pilot elected to land. During the landing, the nose gear collapsed on an otherwise normal touchdown.
Witness Account
A lineman who witnessed the event stated that no call was received on the Unicom frequency. He observed the aircraft in the traffic pattern and noted that the landing gear appeared to be down. The lineman further reported that the aircraft landed on the main gear, and when the nose gear was lowered to the runway surface, it collapsed as the nose rebounded, causing the aircraft to bounce several feet into the air. The aircraft then touched down again and bounced twice more before remaining on the ground.
Inspection Findings
Subsequent inspection revealed substantial overload damage to the nose gear structural attachment. Additionally, the aircraft's tail skid had been driven up into the lower fuselage.