Nose gear collapse during landing roll

Casualties unknown • Billings, MT, US

An aircraft experienced a nose gear collapse during the landing roll following an indication of landing gear malfunction after takeoff.

What happened

Following takeoff, the pilot retracted the landing gear and observed that while the main gear lights went out, the gear light remained illuminated. The pilot attempted to cycle the gear, but the same indication persisted. The pilot then selected the gear down and returned for a landing, at which point the cockpit displayed a three green indication.

During the landing roll, the nose gear collapsed. There were no injuries reported.

The investigation

The investigation found no evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction within the landing gear system. However, a mechanic noted that due to extreme low temperature conditions, the nose gear actuator may have frozen, preventing the gear from completing its full range of travel between the up lock and down lock positions.

Probable cause

Extreme low temperature conditions potentially causing the nose gear actuator to freeze and prevent full range of travel.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-02-07 Cessna 402C accident near Billings, MT?

An aircraft experienced a nose gear collapse during the landing roll following an indication of landing gear malfunction after takeoff.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-02-07 involved a Cessna 402C, registration N2718Y, operated by Big Sky Transportation, at Billings, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Extreme low temperature conditions potentially causing the nose gear actuator to freeze and prevent full range of travel.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00815. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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