So here I was this morning. A rookie in the 76th, fresh out of IQT.
I wanted to take Hog up for the usual spin from Senaki towards Mercury, tank at Shell, come back to Senaki and the plan was to test the ILS coverage in the sim.
Upon takeoff in the roll, however, I suddenly heard a loud bang and the aircraft pitched up agressively. This happened around 131 knots. It took to the air a split second later and I focussed on clearing the runway (and surrounding obstacles) safely while gaining altitude in the direction of SE INITIAL 27.
I immediately suspected problems with the landing gear.
Cleaned up the aircraft to make sure I have enough climb performance and glanced over my shoulders to see wether I could find any damage.
Wings looked ok. Engines too. Engine instruments look normal, reaction to thrust seems normal as well.
Ok, so no immediate controllability problems. We're fine for now.
Gain some altitude, exit the circuit and assess the problem further.
I climbed to 6000ft and stayed in the vicinity of the airfield.
Let's look at the indications I have. None.
So the landing gear is probably the problem area. I can cycle the thing, risking more damage or leave it up and see what gives on the approach. Dilemma.
I decided I need more info, so I went back to the field, contacted ATC for a low pass to get feedback about the landing gear. Perhaps they can see what's wrong. (Of course I just flew a low pass, cause DCS ATC isn't very helpful in this regard )
I also need to get rid of fuel so we have more than enough time.
ATC saw nothing wrong with the landing gear. They reported it being up, no doors open, no parts sticking out.
Ok, so it's in. No apparent damage. Let's see what it does when I extend.
Main gear comes down and locked, but no green indicator on the nosegear.
What does the checklist say?
LANDING GEAR EXTENSION FAILURE
Signal lights are ok (simulated, not modelled)
Hydraulic pressure is normal
Cycle landing gear handle UP and DOWN
No change.
Increase speed 200kts and pitch and roll to try to shake it loose.
No joy.
Reduce speed below 200kts
Ensure landing gear handle is DOWN
Pull AUX LG EXT handle.
No change.
Ok, new dilemma; do I want to retract the landing gear and make a wheels up landing, risking extensive damage to the tail section, belly and basically writing off the aircraft or do I keep the main gear down. Land and try to keep the nose up for as long as possible, gently lowering it on the runway. Possibly risking a tip over (small chance I would say) and killing myself in the process?
NOTE: Also, I am not sure what real life procedures would describe, seeing as you will scrape the barrels of the GAU over the runway. Perhaps a wheels up landing would be the realistic thing to do?
I decided to go for the second option. Land on the wheels and try to keep the nose up as long as possible.
Declared an emergency and turned towards Zeni in this hazy weather. Tuned the ILS for path guidance from Zeni to the rwy. Came in a bit high, but nicely on speed and was able to correct my path.
Here's what happened:
Something sheared the whole nosegear right off!
Successful gentle landing. Emergency units on the way.
Engines shut down, ready to exit.
So what happened? Do we have to make a call to the local wildlife authorities and have them patrol the Senaki area?
Vanguard #5 is grounded for repairs. I'll file the appropriate forms.