Incident Overview
During cruise flight, the pilot heard a loud bang emanating from beneath the airplane. Simultaneously, the gear up light on the instrument panel extinguished. The pilot cycled the landing gear switch, but no effect was observed. Subsequently, the pilot manually pumped the landing gear handle, also without effect. The gear down light failed to illuminate.
Decision and Landing
The pilot elected to return to the departure airport. After coordinating with air traffic control, the pilot executed a landing with the nose gear down and the main gear extended approximately halfway.
Post-Flight Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed that a braided hydraulic line leading to the nose gear hydraulic actuator had separated and pulled out of its connector fitting. Red hydraulic fluid was observed on the airplane's skin behind the nose gear.
Maintenance History
A review of the maintenance logbook indicated that the airplane had its annual inspection signed off on April 13, 2004. During that inspection, one of the two nose gear hydraulic actuator lines had been replaced. The newly installed hydraulic line was not the one that failed. According to the manufacturer, the hydraulic hose for the nose gear is inspected "on condition," and replacement is at the discretion of the inspecting mechanic or the airplane owner.