FedEx Boeing 767-300 Freighter Nose Gear Up Landing at Istanbul

On May 8th, 2024, a FedEx Federal Express Boeing 767-300 freighter, registration N110FE, operating flight FX-6238 from Paris Charles de Gaulle (France) to Istanbul (Turkey), encountered a significant landing gear malfunction that resulted in a nose gear-up landing at Istanbul Airport. The aircraft, which was carrying cargo, was on final approach to Istanbul’s runway 16R when the crew received an unsafe indication for the nose gear, prompting a series of emergency maneuvers and ultimately a controlled landing without nose gear deployed.

Sequence of Events:

Initial Approach and Go Around:

During the approach to runway 16R at Istanbul Airport, while descending through approximately 1800 feet MSL, the crew noticed an unsafe nose gear indication in the cockpit. This indication suggested that the nose gear might not be fully extended or locked into place, creating a potential risk for an unsafe landing. The crew promptly decided to discontinue the landing attempt and initiated a go-around maneuver, climbing back to a safe altitude to assess the situation further.

Assessment and Low Approach:

After climbing to a holding pattern, the crew followed standard procedures to troubleshoot the nose gear issue. They attempted to cycle the landing gear multiple times, but the nose gear remained unresponsive, continuing to show an unsafe indication on the cockpit displays. After about 25 minutes of troubleshooting, the crew performed a low pass over runway 16R to allow air traffic controllers and ground personnel to visually inspect the aircraft’s landing gear. Observers on the ground confirmed that the nose gear was not extended.

Emergency Landing Preparation:

Given the continued failure of the nose gear to deploy, the crew prepared for an emergency landing without the nose gear. They declared an emergency and coordinated with Istanbul ATC to ensure that all necessary emergency services were in position. The crew carefully reviewed the procedures for a gear-up landing, secured the cargo in the aircraft, and advised ground personnel and emergency responders about the situation. The aircraft was cleared for a landing attempt on runway 16R, and emergency vehicles, including fire and rescue services, were positioned along the runway to assist immediately after landing.

Nose Gear-Up Landing:

At approximately 08:17L (05:17Z), about 40 minutes after the first go-around, the FedEx Boeing 767-300 freighter made a controlled approach to runway 16R. The crew maintained a precise and steady descent profile, keeping the nose of the aircraft slightly elevated to avoid premature contact with the runway. Upon touching down, the main landing gear made initial contact with the runway, and the crew skillfully lowered the nose of the aircraft as gently as possible onto the runway surface, allowing the aircraft to slide on its fuselage. The aircraft came to a stop on the runway with minimal sparks and without any immediate signs of fire.

Post-Landing Actions and Evacuation:

Once the aircraft came to a stop, emergency responders quickly approached and surrounded the aircraft to inspect for any signs of fuel leakage, fire, or other hazards. The crew confirmed they were uninjured and began to secure the aircraft’s systems. Despite the potentially dangerous situation, the aircraft remained intact, and there were no injuries to the flight crew.

Investigation and Initial Findings:

Immediate Response and Inspection:

Following the incident, the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and FedEx initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the nose gear malfunction. The initial inspection focused on the aircraft’s landing gear assembly, hydraulic systems, and cockpit instrumentation to identify any faults or failures that might have contributed to the nose gear’s failure to extend.

Areas of Investigation:

1. Landing Gear Mechanism: Technicians examined the mechanical components of the nose gear assembly, including the hydraulic actuators, locking mechanisms, and related linkages. Special attention was paid to the actuators responsible for extending and locking the nose gear, as well as any mechanical or electrical connectors that could have malfunctioned.
2. Hydraulic and Electrical Systems: The aircraft’s hydraulic systems, which are crucial for deploying the landing gear, were thoroughly inspected for any signs of leaks, pressure loss, or failure. The electrical circuits and controls that interface with the landing gear system were also examined to determine if an electrical failure or fault might have contributed to the unsafe gear indication.
3. Cockpit Instrumentation and Warning Systems: Investigators reviewed the cockpit data logs and flight recorder information to understand the sequence of events leading to the gear-up landing. This included examining the data related to the nose gear warning system and any other anomalies that might have occurred in the lead-up to the incident.
4. Crew Actions and Procedures: The crew’s response to the emergency was analyzed to ensure that all standard procedures were followed correctly. Investigators evaluated the crew’s decision-making, communication with ATC, and execution of the emergency landing protocol to identify any areas for potential improvement.

Preliminary Findings:

The initial investigation revealed that the nose gear failed to deploy due to a suspected mechanical failure within the gear assembly. However, further analysis and component testing were required to identify the exact cause of the malfunction. The hydraulic system showed no immediate signs of leaks or pressure issues, suggesting that the failure might have been isolated to the mechanical components of the nose gear.

Next Steps in the Investigation:

The Turkish DGCA, in cooperation with FedEx and Boeing, is expected to continue a thorough investigation into the cause of the nose gear failure. Key components of the landing gear assembly will be removed and transported to specialized facilities for more detailed examination and testing. The final investigation report, including safety recommendations, will be released once all the evidence is thoroughly reviewed.

Implications for Safety and Future Actions:

Safety Measures and Recommendations:

While the investigation is ongoing, FedEx has taken precautionary steps to inspect similar aircraft within its fleet for potential landing gear issues. The airline has also reiterated the importance of adhering to standard operating procedures for emergency situations and provided additional training sessions to reinforce these protocols among its crew members.

Industry Impact:

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining rigorous inspection and maintenance protocols for critical aircraft systems, such as landing gear assemblies. It also highlights the need for continuous training and preparedness for flight crews to handle emergencies effectively, ensuring the safety of both crew and cargo.

Conclusion:

The nose gear-up landing of FedEx flight FX-6238 at Istanbul was a challenging and potentially dangerous situation that was handled with a high level of professionalism by the flight crew. The absence of injuries and minimal damage to the aircraft are a testament to the crew’s skillful handling of the emergency. The ongoing investigation will aim to uncover the root cause of the nose gear failure and provide insights that could help prevent similar incidents in the future.