20030904023949I

(-23) On approach to dfw, unable to lower nose landing gear using the normal method, followed quick reference handbook procedures, unable to extend nose gear, landed with nose gear retracted. Passengers deplaned through forward entry door, no injuries to passengers or crew. When the aircraft was raised using an air bag, the nose landing gear extended as the aircraft was being raised then was locked down and pinned. The aircraft was towed to the delta hangar where a Bombardier recovery team inspected and evaluated the aircraft. The nose landing gear was manually retracted and a satisfactory emergency nose landing gear extension was performed. Repairs were made to the nose landing gear hydraulic lines and the nose landing gear was cycled through normally with no abnormalities. While in dfr the Bombardier team was unable to reach a definitive cause that would not cause the nose landing gear to extend. Temporary repairs were made to the aircraft skin around the nose landing gear compartment and the aircraft was ferried to slc landing gear retracted, unpressurized. During the investigation process at sky west's facilities in slc, they were able to get the nose landing gear not to extendwhen the handle was selected down. The landing gear emergency extension system was found to be out of rig from the factory. The landing gear emergency extension system is checked every "c" check, this aircraft had not received its "c" check. All of the landing gear components have been removed and are being sent to their respective manufacturer for tear down and evaluation. Sky west & Bombardier representatives will be present during component tear down and evaluation.