Date: December 30, 2024
Aircraft Involved:
• Aircraft Type: Boeing 737-800
• Registration: HL8090
• Operator: Jeju Air
• Flight Number: 7C-101
• Route: Seoul Gimpo (South Korea) to Jeju Island (South Korea)
Incident Overview
On December 30, 2024, Jeju Air flight 7C-101, operating a Boeing 737-800 from Seoul Gimpo Airport to Jeju Island, encountered a potential landing gear issue during the initial climb. The crew levelled the aircraft off at 5000 feet and decided to return to Gimpo as a precautionary measure.
The aircraft landed safely on runway 14R approximately 35 minutes after departure. All 161 passengers and crew disembarked without incident.
Sequence of Events
1. Takeoff and Initial Climb:
• The aircraft departed from Gimpo’s runway 14L and began its climb to cruising altitude.
2. Landing Gear Indication:
• During the climb, the crew received an indication of a possible landing gear malfunction.
3. Precautionary Return:
• The pilots decided to discontinue the flight and returned to Gimpo Airport, levelling off at 5000 feet to troubleshoot the issue.
4. Safe Landing:
• The aircraft landed safely on runway 14R. Emergency services were on standby but not required.
5. Aircraft Examination:
• Initial inspections by the airline suggested that the landing gear functioned normally, and the issue might have been a false indication.
Impact on Operations
• A replacement Boeing 737-800 (registration HL8051) was dispatched to transport passengers to Jeju Island, arriving with a delay of approximately two hours.
• The occurrence aircraft remains on the ground in Seoul for further inspection, delaying its return to service.
Initial Findings and Hypotheses
1. Landing Gear Indication Fault:
• Potential malfunction of the gear indication system, such as:
• Faulty sensors or wiring.
• Error in the landing gear control and indication system.
2. Normal Gear Functionality:
• The gear appeared to operate normally during the landing, supporting the likelihood of a false alarm.
3. Crew Decision-Making:
• The crew followed standard safety protocols, prioritizing passenger and aircraft safety.
Analysis and Recommendations
1. Inspection and Maintenance:
• Conduct a thorough inspection of the landing gear indication system, focusing on sensors, wiring, and the control panel.
2. System Updates:
• Review the aircraft’s maintenance logs to identify any recurring issues with the landing gear system.
3. Pilot Training:
• Reinforce training on managing landing gear anomalies, emphasizing calm and methodical responses to cockpit warnings.
4. Communication with Passengers:
• Maintain transparent communication to ensure passenger confidence during unexpected situations.
Disclaimer
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Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts we have at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
