What happened
On 31 January 1998, a Piper PA-28R-200, registration G-BOJH, departed Glasgow Airport for a private flight. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot attempted to retract the landing gear, but the in-transit light remained illuminated. Subsequent attempts to re-select the gear in the down position resulted in the mainwheel green lights illuminating, but the nose gear indicator failed to show. Despite following the emergency lowering procedures outlined in the flight manual, the nose gear remained stuck.
The pilot elected to divert to Perth (Scone) Airport, chosen for its grass runway and available engineering support. After a low fly-past, an engineer observed that the nose gear had only partially emerged from the bay. Following several practice approaches and go-arounds, the pilot decided to perform a landing on the main wheels only. Before touchdown, the pilot briefed the three passengers on emergency protocols and shut down the engine, magnetos, and master switch. Upon landing, the pilot maintained a nose-up attitude until the elevators lost effectiveness, causing the nose to drop. The aircraft slid briefly on the ground before the occupants evacuated without injury.
The investigation
Investigators examined the nose landing gear and discovered that the extension had been obstructed by a mechanical issue within the steering centering mechanism. The system utilizes a roller mounted to the support structure that enters a guide channel on the steering arm. During the investigation, it was found that the roller had become displaced from this guide, running down the outside of the channel. The flared end of the guide eventually halted the movement, preventing full extension. The physical force applied to the gear during the recovery process also caused distortion to both the roller mount and the guide.
While it was noted that the roller was only partially engaged in the retracted position, it was unclear if the failure originated from an incorrect initial retraction at Glasgow or a separate mechanical failure. The investigation also noted that the pilot had recently requested a check of the nosewheel steering due to stiffness during right turns. While maintenance had lubricated the system after finding hardened grease, no direct link could be established between this lubrication task and the subsequent gear jam.
Findings
- The nose landing gear failed to extend because the steering mechanism's roller had slipped out of its guide channel.
- The displacement of the roller from the guide channel prevented the gear from fully deploying.
- The nose gear was partially extended, leading to the gear-up landing on the main wheels.