Incident Overview
The pilot-in-command reported hearing a loud bang during the landing gear retraction sequence after takeoff. Using convex mirrors mounted on the wing tip tanks, he observed that the nose landing gear was hanging partially extended.
Attempted Gear Retraction
The pilot cycled the landing gear switch several times, but the nose gear did not move. He then decided to land on a smooth section of ground, which was the approach to Runway 24.
Landing and Collapse
During touchdown, the nose gear swung into its wheel well. However, the left main landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to turn left. The right main gear subsequently failed due to side loading. The aircraft slid to a stop, with both tip tanks having broken off during the sequence.
Examination Findings
An examination revealed that the nose gear rod end link, which connects to the landing gear transmission gearbox, had fractured.