One of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control’s (DFPC’s) Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA), a Pilatus PC-12 operating as Wildland 27 (N327SF), experienced a mechanical issue with its nose landing gear prior to landing at Grand Junction Regional Airport on August 1, according to Communications and Outreach Specialist Tracy LeClair for the Wildland Fire Management Section of DFPC. The aircraft was returning from a detection mission, which is a mission to identify and locate wildfires as early as possible, on the western slope of Colorado.
The mechanical issue was an issue with the aircraft’s nose landing gear and it occurred at around 6:45 p.m. Upon discovering the issue, LeClair said that the flight team followed standard operating procedures and declared an emergency as a precautionary measure.
“The aircraft landed without the nose gear locking into place, but our highly-trained flight crew successfully executed a controlled landing, bringing the aircraft to a stop on the runway,” LeClair said.
No injuries were reported from the incident and all passengers aboard the aircraft are safe.
LeClair said that an investigation into the incident will be conducted following standard FAA and NTSB protocols.
