Accident Details
The accident occurred when the pilot was conducting an approach for landing and attempted to lower the landing gear. During the first attempt, the pilot heard a "metallic-sounding 'clack.'" The landing gear did not extend fully. The pilot made several attempts to lower the gear using both normal and emergency extension procedures, but the gear remained retracted.
Pilot Actions
After unsuccessful attempts to extend the landing gear, the pilot decided to divert to another airport to perform an emergency landing. Upon arrival at the alternate airport, the pilot performed a fly-by, and ground personnel confirmed that the landing gear was not fully extended. The pilot then elected to perform a wheels-up landing, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane.
Postaccident Examination
Postaccident examination of the airplane confirmed that the landing gear would not fully extend. Further examination revealed damage to the nose landing gear steering stops, the nose landing gear down lock mechanism, and the nose landing gear wheel well sidewall. The damage to the nose landing gear was consistent with exceeding the steering limits of the nose landing gear during ground handling.