Casualties unknown

Hard Landing Results in Nose Gear Collapse and Fuselage Damage (N77DK)

Waukegan, IL, US

On June 15, 2004, a Mitsubishi MU-2B-40 (registration N77DK) was involved in an aviation accident near Waukegan, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudgment of the landing flare which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing factors were the subsequent overload and collapse of the nose landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft sustained substantial damage during a hard landing that collapsed the nose landing gear and wrinkled the fuselage. The pilot reported a late setup for landing and did not recall the number of green landing gear lights.

Accident Details

The aircraft was substantially damaged during a hard landing, which subsequently collapsed the nose landing gear and wrinkled the fuselage. The aircraft came to rest headed straight down the runway, approximately on the centerline.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that the approach was "fairly" stabilized; however, he noted he was late getting set up for landing. He did not recall how many green landing gear extension lights he observed prior to landing. The pilot reported that when the main landing gear touched down on landing, the nose of the aircraft "immediately dropped to the runway."

Post-Accident Examination

Post-accident examination determined that the nose landing gear was in a retracted position in the wheel well. The remaining sections of the nose landing gear doors were wedged behind the landing gear strut. The lower, outboard section of the fuselage was wrinkled from the nose landing gear to a point approximately even with the windshield.

Aircraft Manufacturer Information

The aircraft manufacturer stated that the nose landing gear doors are mechanically actuated.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040707X00921. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.