Date: 22nd December 2024
Location: Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), Minnesota, USA
Aircraft: Canadair CRJ-550, registration N717EV
Operator: SkyWest Airlines on behalf of Delta Air Lines
Flight Number: DL-4273
Route: Minneapolis (USA) to Brainerd (USA)
Occupants: Not specified
Injuries: None reported
Summary of Events
On 22nd December 2024, SkyWest Airlines Flight DL-4273, operated on behalf of Delta Air Lines, departed Minneapolis bound for Brainerd. Shortly after takeoff, the crew received an indication of a landing gear disagreement, prompting them to declare an emergency. The flight crew performed troubleshooting procedures and decided to return to Minneapolis for a precautionary landing. The aircraft landed safely on Runway 12R approximately 20 minutes after departure.
Sequence of Events
1. Departure:
• The CRJ-550 departed from Runway 12L at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport.
2. Gear Disagreement:
• During the initial climb, the crew identified a gear disagreement indication, suggesting a potential issue with the landing gear’s position or sensors.
3. Emergency Declaration:
• The flight crew declared an emergency, informed air traffic control, and began working through the aircraft’s checklists to address the issue.
4. Return to Minneapolis:
• After evaluating the situation, the crew opted to return to Minneapolis for a safe landing on Runway 12R. Emergency services were on standby as a precaution.
5. Post-Landing Procedures:
• The aircraft taxied to the apron without further incident.
6. Replacement Aircraft:
• Passengers were transferred to a replacement CRJ-550, registration N768SK, which completed the flight to Brainerd with a delay of approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Aircraft Details
• Type: Canadair CRJ-550
• Registration: N717EV
• Configuration: Passenger aircraft
• Landing Gear System: Equipped with electronically controlled landing gear for retraction and extension during flight operations.
Initial Findings
1. Gear Disagreement:
• A landing gear disagreement typically indicates a mismatch between the actual position of the gear and the expected position based on cockpit instrumentation.
2. Precautionary Measures:
• The crew followed standard operating procedures, declaring an emergency and returning to the departure airport to ensure safety.
3. Aircraft Grounding:
• The occurrence aircraft remains grounded in Minneapolis for maintenance and inspection to determine the root cause of the gear disagreement.
Safety Implications
1. Landing Gear Systems:
• Landing gear disagreements can arise from sensor malfunctions, mechanical issues, or electrical system errors. Regular maintenance and inspections are critical to ensuring system reliability.
2. Crew Training:
• The crew’s prompt actions and adherence to emergency protocols ensured a safe return to the airport.
3. Operational Disruption:
• The delay highlights the importance of contingency planning to minimize passenger inconvenience during technical disruptions.
Recommendations
1. System Inspection:
• Conduct a detailed inspection of the landing gear system, focusing on sensors, hydraulic systems, and electronic components, to identify the cause of the disagreement.
2. Preventive Maintenance:
• Review maintenance schedules and procedures for landing gear systems to detect potential issues before they occur.
3. Passenger Communication:
• Ensure clear and timely communication with passengers regarding delays and accommodations.
4. Crew Training:
• Reinforce training on handling gear-related emergencies to ensure preparedness for similar occurrences.
Safety Lessons
This incident underscores the importance of robust landing gear systems and the value of comprehensive crew training in managing technical issues. The crew’s decisive actions and adherence to protocols contributed to a safe outcome, reaffirming the effectiveness of established safety measures.
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