New 980 owner

[donv]

By the way, Bruce, I sent someone your way on Facebook. They said they were looking for a camera door equipped Commander-- I think they were from Africa or somewhere?

[JMA]

Well DonV- finally happened. 
Wasn't on the plane when our first accident occurred, but landed at PHL and front nose gear collapsed. 
No injuries, and skidded for a bit, did manage to shut down PHL for a bit.  Pics to follow, couple holes.
As mentioned in an earlier post, yes you can hit the belly and prop blades wont hit ground.

[donv]

Wow, sorry to hear that!

I almost had that happen in a 1000, but the gear stayed down.

[Bruce Byerly]

Well DonV- finally happened. 
Wasn't on the plane when our first accident occurred, but landed at PHL and front nose gear collapsed. 
No injuries, and skidded for a bit, did manage to shut down PHL for a bit.  Pics to follow, couple holes.
As mentioned in an earlier post, yes you can hit the belly and prop blades wont hit ground.

I would be interested to hear why.  Knowing the shop who I believe maintains it, that is surprising and extremely rare.  Most gear issues are due to Mx failures. Please let us know what happened in the interest of preventative mx.

[JMA]

You got it Bruce.  Yes we have been Winner in OH since day one.  So I'll keep you posted on the findings.

[JMA]

Afternoon Bruce-
So early indications from the specialist sent (35+ years working on Commanders) this was due to improper 'Tug' use.

Interesting theory because while we were in Orlando (see earlier posts) a few weeks ago (parked next to the 840) we got a call later in the day after arrival saying we left the brakes on and if we could come back to take them off.   We were fairly certain we did not leave them on since most FBO's move her around, and we were right, the brakes were in fact NOT on.
Theory is perhaps they had her chalked and yanked too hard.  Long story short, Insurance company is asking FBO for any film on the flight deck to see if it shows anything.

More to follow as we progress.

[Bruce Byerly]

Afternoon Bruce-
So early indications from the specialist sent (35+ years working on Commanders) this was due to improper 'Tug' use.

Interesting theory because while we were in Orlando (see earlier posts) a few weeks ago (parked next to the 840) we got a call later in the day after arrival saying we left the brakes on and if we could come back to take them off.   We were fairly certain we did not leave them on since most FBO's move her around, and we were right, the brakes were in fact NOT on.
Theory is perhaps they had her chalked and yanked too hard.  Long story short, Insurance company is asking FBO for any film on the flight deck to see if it shows anything.

More to follow as we progress.

Oh man! That’s terrible.  I should have qualified my earlier comment, tugs are involved in many issues. 

Not much you can do about that situation if damage not apparent on preflight. I usually lean on the side of the nose to see if it makes any noise side to side and, of course, give the actuator a firm shake. I’ve caught one where the bolts were sheared from travel past turn limits but had not fallen out. 

Good luck with your repairs.

[donv]

Wow! All the more reason to do a careful preflight of the nose gear. I admit I don't get down on the ground and look up there all that often, but I probably should.

Did the gear retract and extend normally?

[Badger]

I had the bolts in the nose broken right in front of me a fews years ago, as a tug driver turned too tight when moving the aircraft out of a hangar on a wet day.  I saw it happening, but could not stop it.  The guy should not have been cleared to tug aircraft.....

[JMA]

Yep nothing abnormal in preflight checks and gear acted appropriately.  She had a few short legs that day and no indication of problems.
Will get some pics posted.  Had to borrow an American Airlines tug to get it over to Atlantic. 

[Adam Frisch]

What should I be looking for looking up into wheel well?

[donv]

Bruce, did you finally get N9812S to a new home?

[Bruce Byerly]

Bruce, did you finally get N9812S to a new home?

Yes to a great midwestern home. Fresh props next week we hope.

[schrambow]

Hi Don,
I have been keeping my mouth shut over the last 4 months as i didn't want to jinx or mess up our deal.  We had alot of moving parts and challenging aspects of our transition to the 980.  We had to sell our 840 to a group in Ohio and transition the MSP program over to them as well.  We did close both deals within the last week or two and are now awaiting the overhauled propellers from the shop for the 980.  After they get installed and balanced, we should be ready for flight.  There were alot of challenges and "devil in the details" with this project, and i would like to thank Bruce and Steve for their hard work and patience on this upgrade for us.  We are not yet flying, but we are really looking forward to flying and traveling the 980. Really getting excited!

[donv]

Congratulations! That is awesome!