Dash 8-200
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 60; Flight Crew Total 2686
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Flight Crew Executed Go Around / Missed Approach; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
After takeoff noticed that the nose gear took a little bit longer to retract than the main gear (nose gear door stayed open a couple of seconds longer than usual) but it ended up retracting and fully closing the door showing a normal gear up and locked position on the gear indicator. Prior to reaching level flight the nose gear door advisory light then illuminated around 3 seconds before extinguishing again. The Captain ran the checklist even though the door closed again. The captain contacted Dispatch and Maintenance and advised them of the abnormality; and at this point being unable to ascertain the true extent of the malfunction/erroneous illumination the Captain decided to declare an emergency and continue to destination as the gear indicated normal (up and locked position/landing gear indicator = dark) during cruise. The Flight Attendant was also advised of the situation and the cabin was secured for a normal landing. On the approach the Captain still requested a fly by and get a confirmation from the trucks standing by the runway and Tower of the exterior conditions of the landing gear even though the indication in the cockpit showed a normal fully down and locked position after the gear was extended. After this we initiated a go around while leaving the gear down and locked for vectors back to landing for reasons of safety; the flight crew requested to fly a runway heading and also requested an altitude of 2;500 feet or so; 3;000 feet was assigned by Tower and the flight was switched to approach for vectors back to the runway; the Captain decided an emergency brace position for the passengers [was appropriate] as a precautionary action. The Flight Attendant was instructed to prepare for a normal landing. The Captain landed the aircraft.
After the final ding before landing; Captain gave me a normal call. In this call; he advised me that we were having a gear malfunction and we would be making an emergency landing. We would first do a low pass so the Tower could see the gear and verify that they were down. He told me that he expected everything to be fine but as a precaution; he asked me to prepare the cabin. We had only one passenger who was seated in Row 9. I turned the lights to full bright; and went back to brief that passengers. I advised her that there was a problem with the aircraft's gear system and the Captain has asked me to prepare for an emergency landing. She requested I move her to the front with me because she was scared. I moved her to 1B. After moving her; I briefed her on the operation of all 4 exits while seated in my jumpseat. I also advised her on if I am incapacitated; how to help me out of my jumpseat. I told her that prior to our landing attempt; I would be shouting commands and that this is procedure and to not let it frighten her. I also advised her that with landings like this; it's normal for emergency vehicles to greet the aircraft. I showed her how to properly brace and advised her that if an evacuation became necessary; to leave all carryon items behind. I advised her of the bracing command from the F/D and also the evacuation command and that upon landing to remain seated in brace until told otherwise. We made the first pass over the airport. The Captain made a PA stating the Tower said the gear appeared to be down and that this should be a normal landing. After the PA; he called me and advised that although everything appears fine; he still wanted the passengers and me in brace position before landing. He also asked for visual confirmation that the main gear was down and from my vantage point; I advised him they were. On the second approach; at about 30 seconds prior to touchdown; I turned all the cabin lights off; turned on the ELS and began my brace command; HEADS DOWN; STAY DOWN. Touch down appeared fine. Continued to tell the passenger to brace until the Captain made a PA advising us that everything was fine and that the situation was over. Turn the lights on and ELS off. Advised passenger she could use her phone and gave her the normal arrival announcement verbally. Passenger was frightened but calm. After we arrived at the gate; she thanked me for my help and deplaned normally. After she deplaned; I debriefed with the F/D crew.
DHC8-200 flight crew notes that the nose gear retracts slowly after takeoff and informs the Captain. All is normal until cruise when the nose gear door advisory light illuminated for a couple of seconds before extinguishing. Flight continues to destination after declaring an emergency and a fly by to let the Tower view the nose landing gear. An uneventful landing ensues. The Flight Attendant's report is also included.