Citation Excel (C560XL)
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 150; Flight Crew Total 11000; Flight Crew Type 400
Training / Qualification; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
When landing gear was retracted after takeoff; the unlocked warning light illuminated. The landing gear was extended; and all three landing gear indicated down and locked. The landing gear was again retracted with the same unlocked indication. The landing gear was again extended where it remained for the duration of the flight. Three down and locked was again indicated. Tower was advised; as was departure control. A fly-by the tower was requested to see if any abnormality could be detected. The result was that the nose gear appeared to be cocked to one side. I requested radar vectors to burn off fuel. While orbiting we looked at the checklist for any pertinent guidance. There wasn't any specific procedure for this situation; other than a possible emergency evacuation. The crew discussed the possibility of the nose gear turning to a 90 degree position; or possibly staying in an offset position resulting in a turn off the side of the runway. The plan was therefore to lighten the aircraft by burning off three thousand pounds of fuel which would lower our landing speed; hold the nose off the ground with the elevator; and the use of reverse thrust; thus lowering the ground speed to the greatest extent possible before nose gear touchdown. After burning off three thousand pounds of fuel; and securing any loose objects in the cockpit; clearance to land was requested. A normal approach and touchdown was executed; except that the nose was held off with the elevator and the use of reverse thrust. When the nose gear finally touched down; there was a mild shimmy; and the aircraft proceeded straight down the runway. We were able to taxi to the ramp; and secure the aircraft. The tower informed us that the nose gear centered itself when it touched down. There was no damage to the aircraft.
CE-560XL Captain reported observing a gear unlocked warning light on takeoff. After flying by the Tower to visually confirm the problem; it was determined that the nosewheel was stuck sideways. The nosewheel straightened out during an uneventful landing.