Date: 15th December 2024
Location: Porto Alegre, Brazil / Canoas Airforce Base
Aircraft: Boeing 737-800, registration PR-GZI
Operator: Gol Linhas Aéreas
Flight Number: G3-1885
Route: São Paulo Guarulhos (SP) to Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil
Occupants: 186 (passengers and crew)
Injuries: None reported
Summary of Events
On 15th December 2024, Gol Linhas Aéreas Flight G3-1885, a Boeing 737-800 en route from São Paulo Guarulhos to Porto Alegre, encountered a flaps issue during its final approach to Runway 29 at Porto Alegre. The crew reported that the flaps were locked, prompting them to execute a go-around and assess their options for landing.
Due to the technical issue, the crew advised Air Traffic Control (ATC) that they could not safely land at Porto Alegre or Florianópolis. The flight was subsequently diverted to Canoas Airforce Base (SBCO), where the aircraft made a safe landing on Runway 30 at a higher than normal speed.
The airline later confirmed the occurrence as a technical problem with the flaps.
Sequence of Events
1. Final Approach at Porto Alegre:
• While on final approach to Runway 29, the crew identified an issue with the flaps, reporting them as locked and unresponsive.
• Recognising the risk of landing with compromised flap settings, the crew initiated a go-around procedure.
2. Diversion Decision:
• The crew communicated with ATC, advising they could not land at Porto Alegre or Florianópolis due to the flaps problem.
• The decision was made to divert to Canoas Airforce Base, a nearby facility capable of handling the aircraft safely under the circumstances.
3. Landing at Canoas Airforce Base:
• The aircraft approached Runway 30 at Canoas Airforce Base at a higher than normal landing speed to compensate for the reduced lift and increased landing distance caused by the flap issue.
• The aircraft landed safely without incident, and emergency services were on standby as a precaution.
4. Post-Landing Handling:
• The aircraft remained on the ground at Canoas for approximately 26 hours before positioning to Belo Horizonte, where further technical assessments were carried out.
Aircraft Details
• Type: Boeing 737-800
• Registration: PR-GZI
• Configuration: Passenger aircraft
• Powerplant: 2x CFM56 engines
The Boeing 737-800 is equipped with a flap system designed to modify wing geometry during takeoff and landing phases, enhancing lift and reducing landing speeds. A failure in flap extension requires crews to rely on alternative procedures to ensure a safe landing.
Initial Findings
1. Flap Locking Issue:
• The flaps were reported as locked, preventing proper extension. This forced the crew to adopt a higher approach and landing speed to compensate for reduced aerodynamic lift.
2. Decision to Divert:
• Given the longer landing distance required due to the flap malfunction, Porto Alegre’s runway and nearby alternatives were deemed unsuitable for safe landing.
• The diversion to Canoas Airforce Base provided a longer runway and greater operational flexibility.
3. Higher Landing Speed:
• Landing with flaps inoperative necessitates higher approach speeds, increasing runway usage and requiring precise handling to ensure a controlled touchdown.
Safety Risks
1. Landing Performance:
• A flap failure reduces lift and increases approach speeds, increasing the risk of runway overrun if not properly managed.
2. Crew Workload:
• Managing a technical issue during a critical phase of flight increases workload and decision-making pressure on the crew.
3. Diversion Management:
• Diverting to a military facility requires coordination with non-standard procedures, increasing operational complexity.
Recommendations
1. Technical Inspection:
• Conduct a thorough inspection of the flap system, including mechanical linkages, hydraulic actuators, and related electronics, to identify the root cause of the malfunction.
2. Crew Training:
• Reinforce simulator training for flap-related failures, particularly focusing on high-speed approaches and landing techniques.
3. Maintenance Protocols:
• Review maintenance procedures to identify potential preventative measures for flap system reliability on the Boeing 737-800 fleet.
4. Diversion Planning:
• Enhance diversion protocols to ensure smooth coordination with military airfields and other alternative facilities during emergencies.
Safety Lessons
This incident highlights the importance of effective crew resource management and decision-making when handling technical failures during critical phases of flight. The crew’s prompt identification of the issue, execution of a go-around, and diversion to a suitable alternative ensured the safety of all 186 occupants on board.
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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.
