Incident Overview
A pilot reported a landing gear malfunction while approaching Los Alamos. According to the pilot's statement, during the approach he attempted to extend the landing gear. He noted that "something did not sound right, and [I] did not get a gear down indication in the cockpit." The pilot then cycled the landing gear approximately 10 to 15 times at various speeds, power settings, g-loads, and attitudes, but the gear would not indicate down. He also attempted a manual extension, again without success.
Diversion to Santa Fe
Deciding to seek assistance, the pilot flew the airplane to Santa Fe, New Mexico, which has a control tower. He requested the tower controllers to visually verify whether the landing gear was extended. The tower controller advised that the nose landing gear was not extended and that the nose gear doors were closed.
Return to Los Alamos and Landing
After several more unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issue, the pilot returned to Los Alamos and landed the airplane with the nose gear retracted. The landing resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft.
Post-Incident Examination
An FAA inspector examined the airplane and operated the landing gear. During the first gear extension, the nose landing gear unlocked, but the nose gear doors did not open. A mechanic applied light pressure to the gear doors, and they opened, allowing the nose landing gear to extend and lock. Subsequent cycles of the landing gear could not duplicate the problem.