Beech 76 Duchess, VH-BCJ, Wagga NSW, 26 February 1987

198702389

Summary

When the pilot arrived at his planned destination, he was unable to obtain a down and locked indication for the nosewheel. Both normal and emergency means of lowering the gear were employed, but without success. A diversion was made to a more suitable aerodrome, where a safe landing was made with the nosegear retracted. It was determined that the hinge on the left door of the nosegear assembly had seized because of corrosion. On the previous retraction, the door linkages had been forced out of position in such a manner that the gear doors were jammed closed. All required maintenance and inspections had been certified as being completed, and it was not possible to determine how the hinge had become corroded.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 198702389
Occurrence date 26/02/1987
Location Wagga
Report release date 30/04/1987
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Wheels up landing
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level None

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Beech Aircraft Corp
Model 76
Registration VH-BCJ
Operation type Business
Departure point West Wyalong NSW
Destination Narrandera NSW
Damage Substantial