Preliminary Report: King Air nosegear fails

Hawker Beechcraft King Air C90, Fort Worth, Texas, June 3, 2010–The King Air, owned and operated by the FAA, was substantially damaged when the nose landing gear collapsed on landing at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. While cycling the gear during an inspector currency flight, the crew reported hearing a loud bang and observed a “gear unsafe” indication. During a low flyby of the tower, controllers reported that the main gear was stowed but the nosegear was partially extended. The crew extended the main gear manually for landing, but the nosegear folded and the turboprop twin slid to a stop. Neither pilot on board was injured.