Occurrence
On 26 August 2018, a Bombardier DHC-8-402 departed from Wrocław (EPWR) on a scheduled flight to Warsaw (EPWA). Shortly after takeoff at approximately 04:09 UTC, the flight crew reported a landing gear malfunction to the maintenance control center (MCC) and declared an emergency. When the landing gear lever was moved to the UP position, both the NDOOR (amber) and NOSE (red) indicator lights illuminated simultaneously. The aircraft continued climbing to flight level 150 (FL150) while maintaining a speed of 185 knots. After completing a fuel analysis, the crew decided to continue to the destination airport. The cabin crew and passengers were informed of the situation, and the cabin was prepared for an emergency landing. The crew initiated the alternate landing gear extension procedure, and the landing gear was successfully extended and locked. The aircraft landed without further consequences. The crew filed an Air Safety Report (ASR).
Cause
The incident was caused by the nose landing gear (NLG) locking mechanism being left in the ENGAGED position before takeoff, which prevented the gear from retracting.
Preventive Actions
Technical services at Warsaw (EPWA) inspected the aircraft and confirmed that the nose landing gear lock was found in the active position. The event was recorded in the operator's Safety Management System (SMS) database and classified according to the operator's criteria. It was also included in the operator's safety performance indicators (SPI). No safety recommendations were issued by the investigation commission.