2023-05 · NASA ASRS report 1997883
Technicians reported failure to follow procedures and communication issues caused an inadvertent nose landing gear retraction during operational checks following maintenance.
Lead assigned me and Person A to gear door checks on Aircraft X. We slugged the gear in prep for the test. I was on the ground while Person A and Inspector Person B went to the cockpit. I took off door locks; and at this time the locks were still on the gears. I cleared hydraulics; closed gear doors. Then informed by Person A that the slugs needed to be removed; to be in the correct configuration and then reinstalled. I put the slugs back on and informed the cockpit and Person A started the test. I was standing by the right gear and saw the actuator attempt to raise the gear; with it flexing slightly-at that point I realized the locks had been removed from the gear. I turned towards the nose and it had begun to retract. The aircraft had lowered and came to rest on the right hand door stand with the weight of the aircraft supported by the entry door resting on the door stand; it stayed this way for 30-45 seconds until the right entry door broke at the fitting and the entire nose hit the ground.
On this day being the Crew Chief I was assigned the task of working 2 aircraft. Aircraft X was close to being completed. The only job left before we went outside to do an engine run leak check was to operate the gear doors with slugs on the gear. During this time I was going back and forth to Aircraft Y which had a engine fuel nozzle installation and due to manpower I had 3 probationary mechanics working it so I was more interested in keeping an eye on them. On Aircraft X I had 2 people undocking the aircraft so as soon as the landing gear job was complete we would exit the hangar to do the engine runs to finish this visit. Mechanic asked me if they should remove the gear locks and I told them they could because as soon as hydro was shut off we would be ready be ready to roll.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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