Aircraft and Flight Details
• Operator: Southwest Airlines
• Aircraft Model: Boeing 737-700
• Registration: N236WN
• Flight Number: WN-3009
• Route: Atlanta, Georgia (ATL) to Fort Myers, Florida (RSW), USA
• Date: 17 January 2025
Incident Summary
Southwest Airlines flight WN-3009 encountered foreign object debris (FOD) on landing at Fort Myers’ runway 06. Upon touchdown, the aircraft struck debris on the runway surface, resulting in damage to the main landing gear and fuselage. The flight crew safely taxied the aircraft to the apron, where the damage was identified during a post-flight inspection.
During the landing sequence, the flight crew reported seeing vultures at approximately 300 feet altitude, slightly to the left of the runway centerline over the clear area.
The aircraft remained on the ground at Fort Myers for approximately 5.5 hours before being cleared to resume service.
Damage Details
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported the following:
• The aircraft struck debris on the runway during landing.
• Post-flight inspection revealed damage to the main landing gear and fuselage.
Sequence of Events
1. Approach and Landing:
• The aircraft was cleared to land on runway 06 at Fort Myers International Airport.
• The crew observed vultures at 300 feet altitude, approximately 300 feet to the left of the runway centerline, just before touchdown.
2. Collision with Debris:
• Upon landing, the aircraft collided with foreign object debris (FOD) on the runway.
3. Post-Landing Inspection:
• The crew safely taxied to the apron without further incident.
• Damage to the main landing gear and fuselage was identified during a detailed inspection.
Operational Impact
The aircraft remained on the ground for 5.5 hours in Fort Myers for inspection and minor repairs before returning to service.
Safety Considerations
This incident underscores the importance of:
1. Runway Inspections: Regular and thorough runway sweeps to mitigate risks posed by foreign objects and wildlife.
2. Wildlife Hazard Management: Monitoring and deterring birds, particularly large species such as vultures, in and around airport premises.
3. Aircraft Post-Landing Inspections: Rigorous post-landing inspections to ensure safety after potential runway hazards.
Investigation
The FAA has launched an investigation to determine:
• The source of the debris on the runway.
• The airport’s compliance with runway inspection protocols.
• Wildlife management practices at Fort Myers International Airport.
Conclusion
The swift actions of the flight crew ensured the aircraft landed safely despite encountering runway debris. However, the incident highlights the critical need for stringent airport maintenance and wildlife hazard management to prevent similar occurrences.
Disclaimer
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