Event Summary
After takeoff, the pilots encountered difficulty retracting the landing gear. They manually bypassed the landing gear anti-retraction system to retract the gear. While climbing, they realized that the cabin pressurization and takeoff warning systems remained in ground mode. Evidence indicated that the nosegear shock strut was underserviced and underinflated for cold-weather operation, preventing it from extending sufficiently to actuate the ground shift mechanism. This hindered the release of the landing gear lever anti-retraction mechanism and the shift of aircraft systems to flight mode.
Pilot Actions
To address the ground mode issue, the pilots referred to the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) and pulled the Ground Control Relay circuit breakers (C/Bs). After pulling these, the cabin pressurization and takeoff warning systems began operating in flight mode. The rest of the flight was uneventful. The pilots decided to reset the circuit breakers just before touchdown. During the approach, they flew a normal final approach to the runway. On short final, the captain reset the C/Bs. At that moment, the ground spoilers activated, causing the aircraft to descend rapidly and strike the ground tail first in the runway approach light area.
Aircraft System Procedures
The QRH contained an abnormal procedure that stated: "GROUND CONTROL RELAY C/Bs (if pulled) . . . RESET . . ." This was listed in the "Approach and Landing" section. However, the Aircraft Operating Manual (AOM) stated: "Reset Ground Control Relay circuit breakers during taxi." The pilots reported that they had not referenced the AOM, nor did they notify the company of the in-flight irregularity.