N400T

On May 28, 1999, at 1600 central daylight time, a Cessna T303 multi-engine airplane, N400T, was substantially damaged when the nose landing gear collapsed upon landing at the West Houston Airport, near Houston, Texas. The instrument rated commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was registered to Plaza One Inc., of Austin, Texas, and operated by a private individual. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight and a flight plan was not filed. The local flight originated from the George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston, Texas, at 1545.

According to the 4,769-hour pilot, he "extended the landing gear upon the downwind position for a landing on runway 33." He observed the illuminated three green landing gear position lights, indicating that the landing gear was extended, and he visually confirmed that the nosegear was extended by referencing a mirror that was mounted on the left engine nacelle. The main landing gear contacted the runway, and the pilot began to "release elevator back pressure." Subsequently, the nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane skidded approximately 300 yards and came to a stop nose down on the runway. The pilot added that the touchdown speed was 80 knots.

An FAA inspector examined the airplane and stated that the nose landing gear was damaged and that all of the six propeller blades were bent aft. He added that the bulkhead within the nosecone was structurally damaged.

The airplane was examined by an FAA certified mechanic at Outlaw Aircraft Sales Inc., Clarksville, Tennessee. He reported that the damaged bulkhead was not repairable. The hydraulic landing gear system was examined and it was noted that the operating pressure was "within manufacturer's tolerances at 850 psi and the hydraulic fluid level was normal." The reason for the collapse of the nose landing gear was not determined.