Flight History
On 14 April 2004, a Piper 28R-180 (registration EC-BNY) operated by Airman was conducting a visual flight from Málaga Airport to Sevilla Airport with a crew of three: one instructor and two students. The flight proceeded normally until entering the traffic pattern at Sevilla. When the crew selected landing gear down, the cockpit indications showed the nose gear light remained off while the main gear lights illuminated. The crew informed the control tower and attempted to extend the gear using both normal and emergency procedures, but the nose gear would not lower. Another aircraft confirmed that the nose gear was not extended. Due to fuel considerations, the crew decided to return to Málaga, where they landed at approximately 11:55 hours, touching down on the main gear only. The fire service was on standby but not required.
Injuries and Damage
The three crew members were uninjured. The aircraft sustained damage to the engine cowling, the exhaust outlet, and the three-bladed propeller, whose tips contacted the runway surface.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft had undergone a 100-hour inspection on 23 March 2004 and a 50-hour inspection on 13 April 2004.
Inspection and Findings
After recovery, an inspection of the nose landing gear revealed that the alternate air control cable had become jammed in the nose wheel hub. The cable was found to have lost one of the securing clamps that normally fasten it to the engine mount, allowing it to interfere with moving parts. When the clamp was removed, the nose gear extended normally. The clamp is subject to visual inspection and replacement on condition.
Analysis
The investigation concluded that the alternate air control cable had lost a securing clamp, leaving it free in the engine compartment. During takeoff, the rotating nose wheel likely caught the cable, which then interfered with gear extension, preventing the nose gear from lowering. The condition of the clamp was probably not checked during prior maintenance.