Piper PA44 N39693 accident near Centralia, Illinois

Probable cause

The failure of the nose landing gear to extend for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB analysis

While performing the Before Landing checklist following an instructional flight in the multiengine airplane, the flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction noticed that the nose landing gear light did not illuminate when the gear was extended, and the nose gear appeared only partially extended. The pilots performed the emergency gear extension procedure, which was unsuccessful, and subsequently attempted maneuvers to extend the gear; however, the nose gear would not extend. The pilots returned to the airport and landed in the soft, wet grass next to the runway, during which the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage.

Postaccident examination of the nose landing gear system and emergency gear extension system did not reveal any anomalies that could have resulted in the failure of the nose gear to extend; however, a detailed examination of the system was not possible due to the extent of the impact damage.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN19LA142 for the full record.