What happened
On August 29, 2018, a professional pilot was conducting an IFR training flight to refresh skills for upcoming instrument and multi-engine rating extensions. The flight included several training approaches at Zielona Góra – Babimost (EPZG), where the crew noted that the landing gear indicators showed all three legs were locked. Following these exercises, the crew returned to Poznań Ławica (EPPO) for a VOR approach and a touch-and-go maneuver.
During the touch-and-go approach, the pilot observed that the landing gear indicators indicated all legs were locked. However, after completing a circuit and attempting to extend the gear for a full landing, the indication changed to show only the main gear was locked, with the nose gear failing to show a down-and-locked status. Despite multiple attempts to cycle the gear and performing the emergency gear extension procedure, the nose gear remained unconfirmed. The crew requested a low pass over the runway to allow the airport duty officer to visually inspect the gear; the officer reported that the nose gear was only partially extended. The crew subsequently declared an emergency landing with assistance. Upon touchdown at 17:27 UTC, the nose gear collapsed/retracted completely.