Occurrence Summary
On July 8, 2025, at approximately 8:45 am local time (1245 UTC), a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo, registration C6-GWC, operated by Golden Wings Charter, was conducting an instrument proficiency check flight. The aircraft departed Lynden Pindling International Airport (MYNN), Nassau, Bahamas at about 8:25 am local (1225 UTC). During the approach into Chub Cay Airport (MYBC), the pilot-in-command observed an abnormal landing gear indication: only the left and right main landing gear annunciator lights were illuminated green; the nose gear light remained unlit. The pilot recycled the landing gear and used the emergency extension system via the manual hand pump, but the nose gear indication did not change.
After performing the emergency checklist and consulting with maintenance personnel by phone, the pilot elected to return to MYNN. A low pass over the airport allowed air traffic control to visually confirm that both main gears were fully extended and down-locked, but the nose gear was only partially extended. The aircraft landed on Runway 10; upon touchdown, the nose gear collapsed. The two persons on board reported no injuries. The aircraft sustained damage to both propellers, the forward fuselage, the nose landing gear, and the nose wheel.
Maintenance Findings
A post-occurrence technical inspection revealed the following: the manual hand pump operated per procedure but produced no hydraulic resistance and no nose gear response. Hydraulic lines and the selector valve showed no external damage or leakage. The nose gear actuator and components were externally intact with no damage; drag links, up-lock, and pins showed no binding. The hydraulic reservoir was serviced within limits with no external leaks, but no pressure was detected at the inboard line to the nose gear actuator.
Analysis
Evidence indicated a mechanical hydraulic supply failure localized to the nose gear circuit. The absence of hydraulic pressure in the inboard line suggested failure within the power pack selector/check valve system. Hydraulic fluid was bypassing internally within the power pack and returning directly to the reservoir without pressurizing the actuator retract circuit. This internal malfunction prevented landing gear extension. The actuator rod and linkage were intact, and no external hydraulic leaks were observed. The internal bypass occurred entirely within the internal galleries of the power pack.
Conclusion
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority determined that the probable cause of this serious incident was an internal failure of the hydraulic power pack on the nose landing gear circuit.