An apparatus, method and system for retracting a read/write head (13) to a
landing position of a disk (11) in a disk drive system (10) which
includes an actuator (33) coupled with the head (13) for retracting in a
first direction toward an outside diameter of the disk (11) and a second
direction toward an inside diameter of the disk (11) in response to
corresponding signals. A control device (32) coupled with the actuator
(33) which is adapted for determining a retract direction for the
read/write head (13), wherein a first signal indicative of a first
direction and a second signal indicative of a second direction is
provided to the actuator (33), the control device (32) further providing
the first signal following a loss of power which energizes the disk drive
motor (38) of the disk drive system and providing the second signal
subsequent to providing the first signal for retracting the read/write
head (13) to the landing position.