Cessna 177RG pilot reported during roll out from landing the nose gear collapsed.

Date: 2024-05 · Aircraft: Cardinal 177/177RG · Phase: landing

Anomalies: aircraft-equipment-problem-critical|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-published-material-policy|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-maintenance|ground-event-encounter-loss-of-aircraft-control

Synopsis

Cessna 177RG pilot reported during roll out from landing the nose gear collapsed.

Narrative

During roll out from landing; nose gear collapsed. This was first flight after Annual inspection. The annual included removal and replacement of almost everything in the hydraulic system. Cause of nose gear collapse was found to be improper rigging of nose gear over center lock.I believe my preflight and inflight checks were sound with no apparent indications available to me; the pilot; of the impending collapse. However; I also believe there are some risk management mitigations that I will add to improve my procedures in the future. First; next time I fly an airplane just out of major maintenance; I will pull 2 to 2 1/2 G's once I have lowered the gear. This will allow the 'extra' weight of the gear to perhaps lower the gear slightly further and prevent collapse. Second; I read an article in last 6 months claiming that for small general aviation aircraft; if the alternator is not at full capacity on basically all brands of General Aviation retractable gear airplanes; then the gear may not fully extend. So; I am now adding to my procedures that every time I check gear down green lights that I will also check the ammeter for any large deflection. If a large ammeter deflection is occurring and there are no other indications; then I will pull added g's in an attempt to complete gear lowering to its full extent. I will also ask the tower to observe my landing gear positioning after this maneuver as an added precaution.Finally; it occurred to me in hind sight that I know a very good mechanic with 12 year's experience on retractable gear Cessna Cardinals and has experienced this circumstance. From now on; whenever I fly an airplane fresh out of major maintenance; I will seek advice from someone experienced in the particular type of maintenance issue for any additional advice.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.