The Incident
A pilot performing a touch-and-go landing experienced a malfunction involving the nose landing gear. According to the pilot, he extended the landing gear and checked that it was down during the approach, which he reported as normal. The main gear touchdown was normal, but the pilot stated he had no memory of nose gear touchdown. He added that 'the nose dropped below normal for landing roll-out' and he attempted to take off, but was too slow, causing the aircraft to skid to a stop in a nose-down position on the runway centerline.
Post-Accident Observations
The pilot stated, 'The landing gear appeared to be in a semi-retracted or collapsed position.' FAA inspectors subsequently examined the aircraft and noted abrasion damage to the main landing gear doors. They also observed nose gear overstress damage that was consistent with its being forcibly pushed back up into the nose wheel well.
Post-Accident Testing
In a post-accident test conducted by investigators, the main landing gear extended manually without issue. However, the nose landing gear would not extend, indicating a problem specific to that component.
Pilot Background
The pilot reported that he had not logged any pilot time in the 90 days before the accident.