Nose Gear Failure During Landing Results in Substantial Damage (N71TA)

Incident Details

The airplane experienced substantial damage during a landing event when the nose landing gear did not properly extend. According to the pilot, the problem first arose while conducting touch-and-go landings at an airport designated MDS. After the nose gear failed to extend prior to landing, the pilot diverted to another airport, MML. Upon arrival at MML, a fly-by was conducted, during which ground personnel reported that the nose gear tire appeared to be cocked inside the gear well. The pilot made several attempts to lower the nose gear, all of which were unsuccessful. The pilot subsequently executed a landing on the grass adjacent to the runway, with the main landing gear extended and the nose gear remaining retracted.

Investigation

Post-accident investigation efforts were unable to duplicate the problem encountered during the flight. Operational checks of the landing gear retraction and extension systems performed after the accident indicated normal operation.