Overview
On January 8th, 2025, a TUI Airlines Belgium Boeing 737-700, registration OO-JAR, operating flight TB-1012 from Malaga, Spain to Brussels, Belgium, experienced a nose gear collapse while parked at the gate after all passengers had safely disembarked via the jet bridge.
• Aircraft Type: Boeing 737-700
• Passengers: None on board at the time of collapse
• Injuries: None reported
• Damage: Substantial to the aircraft’s nose structure and systems
Sequence of Events
1. Flight Arrival
• The flight landed safely at Brussels Airport and taxied to the gate without incident.
• Passengers disembarked via the jet bridge.
2. Nose Gear Collapse
• After disembarkation, while the aircraft was still at the gate, the nose landing gear collapsed.
• The aircraft’s forward fuselage made contact with the ground, causing damage to the nose structure and systems.
3. Emergency Response
• Airport emergency services were dispatched to the scene to secure the area and assess potential hazards.
• No injuries were reported as no passengers or crew were aboard at the time.
Initial Findings
1. Technical Checks
• The airline reported that initial technical checks revealed no errors in the landing gear system prior to the collapse.
2. Human Factors
• TUI Airlines stated there is no evidence of any incorrect human actions contributing to the incident.
3. Unclear Cause
• As of this report, the exact cause of the nose gear collapse remains unknown and is under investigation.
Investigation
1. Belgian Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA)
• The BCAA has opened an investigation into the incident to determine the root cause.
2. Manufacturer Support
• Boeing technical advisors are assisting with the investigation to assess potential mechanical or structural issues with the nose gear assembly.
3. Aircraft Records
• Maintenance and operational records of OO-JAR are being reviewed for any prior indications of nose gear anomalies.
Potential Factors Under Investigation
1. Mechanical Failure
• A detailed inspection of the nose gear assembly for fatigue, corrosion, or manufacturing defects.
2. Hydraulic System
• Examination of the hydraulic actuators and retraction systems for malfunction.
3. Structural Integrity
• Assessment of the fuselage structure surrounding the nose gear attachment points.
4. Operational and Environmental Factors
• Review of potential ground handling incidents or environmental conditions that might have stressed the landing gear.
Safety Lessons
This incident emphasizes the importance of:
• Rigorous post-flight inspections to identify hidden mechanical issues.
• Ongoing monitoring and maintenance of critical landing gear components.
• Prompt and thorough investigation to prevent recurrence of similar events.
Disclaimer
This report is based on available information as of January 8th, 2025. For image takedown requests, contact takedown@cockpitking.com. Further updates will follow as findings emerge.
