Nose Gear Retraction Causes Runway Excursion in Antonov 26

Casualties unknown • Remedios, CO

An Antonov 26 B cargo flight experienced a nose gear collapse during landing at Alberto Jaramillo Sánchez Aerodrome, resulting in significant structural damage.

What happened

On July 9, 2014, an Antonov 26 B, registration HK4728, was performing a special cargo flight transporting 4,000 kg of explosive material (ANFO) from José María Córdoba International Airport to Alberto Jaramillo Sánchez Aerodrome. The flight was operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in clear weather conditions.

During the landing phase on runway 35, the aircraft's main gear initially made contact with the asphalt. However, during the deceleration phase, the nose gear underwent an inadvertent and progressive retraction. This caused the forward fuselage to scrape against the runway surface. The pilot attempted to maintain the aircraft on the centerline using brakes and engine shutdown procedures, but the aircraft eventually drifted to the left. The aircraft came to a stop approximately two meters outside the runway margin. All four crew members were uninjured and evacuated the aircraft safely.

The investigation

The GRIAA investigation examined the aircraft's flight data and cockpit voice recorder. While the CVR had inoperative internal pilot channels, the FDR provided complete data. Investigators found no evidence of mechanical failure, hydraulic leaks, or electrical malfunctions in the nose gear locking mechanism or the landing gear systems. The investigation also noted that the aircraft had recently undergone unscheduled maintenance following a separate incident in June 2014.

Findings

  • The primary cause was the inappropriate manipulation of flight controls by the pilot during the landing phase, which created a sudden change in elevator deflection and a pitching moment that pushed the nose into the ground.
  • The inertial forces generated during deceleration caused the nose gear up-lock mechanism to disengage, triggering the retraction.
  • The heavy payload of 4,000 kg increased linear momentum and braking forces, making the aircraft more difficult to control on the short runway.
  • The short runway length at the destination aerodrome required immediate and heavy use of braking and reverse thrust, increasing the operational difficulty.

Probable cause

Improper flight control inputs by the pilot during landing caused a nose-down pitch, which, combined with deceleration forces, dislodged the nose gear lock and led to the gear's retraction.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2014-07-09 AN-26 accident near Remedios, CO?

An Antonov 26 B cargo flight experienced a nose gear collapse during landing at Alberto Jaramillo Sánchez Aerodrome, resulting in significant structural damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-07-09 involved a AN-26, registration HK4728, at Remedios, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Improper flight control inputs by the pilot during landing caused a nose-down pitch, which, combined with deceleration forces, dislodged the nose gear lock and led to the gear's retraction.

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