Learjet 45
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 80; Flight Crew Total 2300; Flight Crew Type 910
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Aircraft
Encountered landing gear problem upon departure. After rotation and selection of gear to UP position; gear did not retract indicating 'in-transit' only; and emitting Nose-Wheel Steering Fail (NWS FAIL) Master Caution annunciation.Departure control was advised of issue and asked to provide vectors and authorize slower cruise speed. Attempt to rectify the problem yielded no results or changes in condition. Checklist items were limited and inconclusive given our condition. Crew decided to select gear do DOWN position and confirm gear 'down and locked'. All indications pointed to gear having locked in down position and no further attempt was made to cycle gear. Nothing at the disposal of the crew allowed for a diagnosis or gave further clues as to what possibly happened.At his point the conclusion was that there was no available steering command to the nose wheel; and that; given the additional noise and aircraft's attitude while flying level; the nose wheel may have gotten stuck at an angle. Crew and company selected appropriate alternative destination with proper facilities; and a diversion request was made with departure. Coordination took place via relays between airplane and FBO's. This decision was imperative and allowed room for the best possible choices to be made in regard to operation and logistics; for both aircraft and passengers.Once in communication with approach; a request was made with ATC to coordinate with Tower at the field for a low approach in order to confirm gear position.Visual confirmation from authorities on the ground did not give crew a concrete answer as to whether or not the nose wheel was in fact angled left or right of center. Crew proceeded to hold in order to consume as much fuel as possible to relieve the airplane of the additional weight. Twenty minutes prior to landing; approach was advised of intention to land; and cabin preparations and passenger briefing was accomplished. Passengers were asked to seat at most rearward positions possible with heaviest passengers at the back. The aft shift in CG would allow smoother touchdown with nose gear.Upon landing the Pilot Flying (PF) felt a directional pull to the right once the nose gear touched down and an immediate correction was made via the use of differential braking in order to maintain centerline. Shortly after touchdown the airplane slowed to a manageable taxiing speed and exited the runway; approximately 4;600 ft from the threshold. Upon inspection the nose gear strut had collapsed; apparently indicating that a possible Nitrogen leak existed or happened sometime during take-off; causing the gear to not extend properly and center in order for the retraction sequence to complete.In retrospect; the crew had no prior signs or way to predict the failure. The airplane behaved predictably at all times and performed well. Communications with ATC was very professional and their assistance was invaluable. All parties involved were very attentive and courteous. Crew coordination and cockpit flows were performed as best as possible. Ample time was allowed for decisions and positive aircraft control to be maintained. Weather undoubtedly played a major factor in assuring the success of our mission. Conditions were clear. There was nothing else the crew could have done in order to correct the problem or to properly setup the airplane for landing. Preparation was intensive and all possible options waived.
LR45 Captain experienced a failure of the landing gear to retract after takeoff along with a nose wheel steering fail message and elects to divert to a more suitable airport. After landing it is discovered that the nose gear strut has collapsed.