Primary finding
Probable cause
The company mechanic's improper preflight of the aircraft, resulting in a foreign object (flashlight) being left in the nose gear well.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
As the landing gear was raised following takeoff, the flight crew heard a 'crunching' sound, followed by a 'nose gear unsafe' light. After several unsuccessful attempts to lower the gear, they elected to land the aircraft at the nashville international airport. The aircraft was landed with the nose gear partially extended. During the landing roll, the aircraft forward pressure bulkhead was damaged from contact with the runway surface. Subsequent investigation revealed that a mechanic employed by the operator had inadvertently left a 10-inch flashlight in the upper section of the nose gear well during his pre-flight inspection. During the landing gear retraction, the nose gear became jammed by the flashlight, and could not be raised or lowered.
Source record
Factual narrative
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