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On January 22, a Pilatus PC-12 aircraft made an emergency landing at Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff when it was discovered that the aircraft's nose gear tow bar was still attached to the nose landing gear. This oversight happened despite standard procedures requiring the removal of tow bars before flight operations commence.
The Aviation Safety Network reported that the Pilatus PC-12 had departed from Paul C. Miller Sparta Municipal Airport in Kent County, Michigan, intending to complete a short one-hour flight to Grand Rapids. There were seven occupants on board, including the pilot. At approximately 08:00 local time, the presence of the tow bar was identified.
As the aircraft approached Grand Rapids airport, the flight crew declared an emergency due to this anomaly. By 08:10 local time, the aircraft successfully executed an emergency landing on runway 17 with its nose landing gear retracted. Emergency services were on standby and promptly attended to the aircraft upon its stop on the runway. All passengers and crew evacuated safely without any injuries.
