Skynight 320
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 30; Flight Crew Total 862; Flight Crew Type 380
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Ground Event / Encounter Gear Up Landing
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
After takeoff the gear retraction was initiated. I heard a loud bang. I verified with the Tower and my nose gear mirror that the gear wasn't fully retracted. I tried several gear cycles to get the nose to lock to no avail. Considering my full fuel situation and crosswinds at [departure airport]; I decided to continue flight to [destination]. After assessing the runway and wind situation as well as emergency services; I decided to divert to [a more suitable airport]. Before landing I tried to cycle the gear several more times and put the aircraft in different attitudes as to force the gear down. I then followed emergency checklist for manual crank of gear. These efforts yielded no positive results. I informed the Approach Controller I was ready to land. I then instructed one of my passengers to move to the most aft seat and move as much baggage to the aft as possible. At a half mile final I informed the Tower that I was turning off all electrical and this was going to be my last radio call. Upon landing assured over the runway; I pulled back the mixture controls and throttles all the way closed to shut off the engines. I then used the elevator trim and yoke to make sure that I held the nose off as long as aerodynamically possible. After this was no longer possible the nose of the aircraft lowered and we slid to a stop. There were no injuries to me or any of the occupants.
C320 pilot reported his landing gear failed to fully retract after takeoff; and would not extend fully even after manual crank procedures were followed. Aircraft landed with partial gear and no injuries were reported.