Pilatus PC-12 Makes Emergency Landing At Grand Rapids Airport

On Wednesday, January 22nd, a Pilatus PC-12 was forced to make an emergency landing at Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Shortly after taking off, it was discovered that the turboprop-powered general aviation aircraft still had its nose gear tow bar attached to the nose landing gear. Operators typically use tow bars to pull their aircraft out of the hangar and onto the runway apron prior to taking off. However, a major oversight occurred as the tow bar was not removed from the front wheel prior to starting up the aircraft and beginning the standard takeoff procedures. Fortunately, the aircraft was able to make a successful landing at the airport with its nose landing gear retracted. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.