Synopsis
On 19 August 2018, a Bombardier DHC-8-400, registration N-404AV, operated by LC Busre S.A.C., departed Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport (SPJC) at 15:29 local time on flight LCB1323 to Ayacucho (SPHO). During the approach to Ayacucho, after extending the landing gear in normal mode (powered gear extension), the crew observed a red light on the Landing Gear Control and Indication Panel (LGCIP) indicating that the nose landing gear (NLG) was not downlocked, and no green light on the Alternate Gear Indicator (ADI). They executed a go-around, raised the landing gear lever, and decided to return to Lima.
Flight Details
On approach to Lima, the crew again extended the landing gear in normal mode and received the same indication: a red light for NLG not downlocked. They raised the gear lever once more. The crew then performed an alternate (emergency) gear extension, but the indications remained unchanged. Air traffic control (ATC) personnel at Lima confirmed that they could not see the NLG. After preparations, the crew performed an emergency landing with the NLG retracted (up position). The aircraft came to a stop on the runway.
Evacuation and Recovery
The crew initiated an emergency evacuation with assistance from the airport's fire and rescue service. No injuries or fire were reported. As the airport lacked equipment to move disabled aircraft, a forklift was used to lift the aircraft's nose, allowing the NLG to be extended and locked. The aircraft was then removed from runway 15.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined the probable cause to be a failure of the NLG proximity sensors S11 and S12. These sensors did not allow the crew to see a downlocked indication on either the primary or alternate cockpit panels. Consequently, the alternate gear extension procedure was attempted but did not complete, resulting in the emergency landing with the nose gear retracted.
Safety recommendations were communicated to the DGAC (Peru's civil aviation authority) to prevent recurrence.