PC-12
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 84; Flight Crew Total 15500; Flight Crew Type 1100
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Diverted
Human Factors
After pulling aircraft from the hanger early in the morning darkness I neglected to remove the tow bar. Departed with tow bar still attached to nose gear. Attempted to retract gear; but nose gear would not lock up. Realized tow bar was still attached. When selecting gear down the nose gear would not lock down. Flew to airport ZZZ where maintenance could be performed. Set up for a retracted nose gear landing. During the flare while slowing the aircraft the resistance to the gear lessened and the nose gear locked into position. The tow bar was at a forward angle of approximately 45 degrees upon touchdown. When the tip of the tow bar hit the pavement it slid forward. The aircraft coasted to a stop. After inspecting the aircraft it was towed to the maintenance shop. The gear was swung several times and an ultrasound performed on the nose gear components. No damage was found and the aircraft was returned to service. I have now changed the chain of events when pulling the aircraft from the hanger. After disconnecting the tow bar from the tug; the tow bar in stowed in the hangar before the tug is moved from the front of the aircraft. The tug can be seen from the cockpit where the tow bar cannot.
A Pilatus PC12 pilot reported taking off with the tow bar still attached to the nose gear and upon gear retraction the nose gear would not lock up. The pilot reported he set up for a retracted nose gear landing; during the flare the nose gear locked down and the tow bar come off with runway contact. Gear was swung and an ultrasound inspection performed; no damage was found. Aircraft returned to service.