Date: 26th November 2024
Location: Zurich Airport, Switzerland
Aircraft: Airbus A320-200, registration HB-IJP
Operator: Swiss International Airlines
Flight Number: LX-6039
Route: Athens, Greece, to Zurich, Switzerland
Occupants: Unknown
Injuries: None reported
Summary of Events
On 26th November 2024, Swiss International Airlines flight LX-6039, an Airbus A320-200 operating from Athens to Zurich, experienced an unsafe nose gear indication during its approach to Zurich Airport. The crew alerted air traffic control of the issue. Tower visually confirmed that all landing gear appeared to be deployed as the aircraft approached short final for Runway 14. The flight landed safely without incident.
The aircraft remained grounded at Zurich for approximately 22 hours for inspection and maintenance before returning to service.
Aircraft Information
The Airbus A320-200 is a widely used narrow-body aircraft for short to medium-haul operations. Its landing gear system is hydraulically actuated, equipped with sensors and indicators to alert crews to potential deployment or locking issues.
Sequence of Events
1. Approach Phase:
• During approach to Zurich, the flight crew received an unsafe nose gear indication.
• The crew followed standard operating procedures, including cycling the gear and consulting the quick reference handbook (QRH).
2. Tower Confirmation:
• Zurich Tower visually confirmed that all gear, including the nose gear, appeared to be deployed.
3. Landing:
• The aircraft continued its approach and executed a safe landing on Runway 14.
4. Post-Landing Inspection:
• After landing, the aircraft was inspected by maintenance teams to determine the cause of the unsafe gear indication.
Initial Findings
Potential Causes of Unsafe Gear Indication
1. Sensor Malfunction:
• Faulty sensors in the nose gear locking system may have triggered the unsafe indication despite the gear being properly deployed and locked.
2. Hydraulic or Mechanical Issues:
• Minor obstructions or hydraulic anomalies can delay or prevent the nose gear from fully locking into place.
3. Wiring or Connector Issues:
• Electrical faults in the gear indication system can cause erroneous alerts in the cockpit.
Maintenance Actions
The aircraft underwent a thorough inspection at Zurich, focusing on:
• The nose gear assembly and locking mechanism.
• Hydraulic actuators and reservoirs.
• Electrical wiring and gear position sensors.
• System diagnostics to identify and address potential false warnings.
Safety Risks
1. Gear Collapse on Landing:
• An actual failure to lock the gear could result in a collapse during landing, posing risks to passengers, crew, and the aircraft.
2. Crew Distraction:
• Addressing gear issues during critical phases of flight may increase crew workload and distraction.
3. Operational Disruptions:
• Grounding the aircraft for inspection and repairs can lead to delays and schedule disruptions.
Recommendations
1. Sensor Calibration:
• Perform regular checks and calibrations of landing gear position sensors to prevent false indications.
2. Hydraulic System Inspections:
• Monitor for wear or anomalies in the landing gear hydraulic systems during routine maintenance.
3. Crew Training:
• Reinforce training on handling landing gear warnings and cross-verification procedures with ATC for visual confirmation.
4. Data Analysis:
• Investigate any trends of unsafe gear indications in the airline’s fleet to identify systemic issues.
Safety Lessons and Industry Impact
This event underscores the importance of maintaining robust landing gear systems and training crews to handle unexpected alerts effectively. The coordination between the flight crew and Zurich Tower ensured a safe outcome, demonstrating the value of clear communication and standard procedures.
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.
