History of the Flight
The aircraft, a Cessna 172RG registered G-BILU, arrived at Stapleford Aerodrome after a flight from Cardiff and joined the circuit to land on Runway 22. When the pilot selected the landing gear down, he felt the main gears lock into place, but the gear indicator light first failed to illuminate and then lit red. A visual check suggested the main gears were down and locked, but the nose gear could not be seen.
Attempts to Rectify
The pilot radioed the control tower to inform them he was going around for another circuit, during which he attempted to recycle the gear several times, but without success. He then requested a visual inspection and was informed that the nose landing gear had not extended. After additional recycling and manual hydraulic pump attempts, a further visual inspection from the tower confirmed the nose gear had still not moved.
Forced Landing
Consequently, the pilot carried out a landing on the mainwheels only on the grass to the left of Runway 22. The landing was successful, and the pilot sustained no injuries. The aircraft suffered damage to the landing gear doors, propeller, and engine.
Post-Accident Examination
Upon recovery, it was found that the nose gear would not extend because it was jammed by the gear doors. Subsequent testing of the retraction system showed no anomalies, but it was noted that a number of bushes and linkages associated with the gear doors were worn. It was thought that a cumulative effect of the wear had caused the jamming condition.