Flight Details
Aircraft Type: Boeing 737-8K5 Operator: TUIfly Registration: D-ATYL Flight Number: X3174 Route: Hanover Airport (HAJ), Germany to Dalaman Airport (DLM), Turkey Date of Incident: 18 April 2025 Total Occupants: Not officially disclosed; typical B737-800 seating capacity is approximately 189 passengers with 6 crew Weather Conditions: Visual meteorological conditions; no adverse weather reported at time of departure
Introduction
On 18 April 2025, a TUIfly Boeing 737-800 operating flight X3174 returned to Hanover Airport shortly after take-off due to a landing gear malfunction. The aircraft departed from runway 27R and climbed to an initial altitude of 4,000 feet before the crew identified a problem with the gear system. The aircraft entered a holding pattern west of the airport for nearly two hours to troubleshoot the fault and burn fuel before executing a safe return to Hanover. Emergency services were placed on alert for the landing, but no injuries were reported. The aircraft remains on the ground over 13 hours later pending further inspection.
Sequence of Events
Flight X3174 departed from Hanover enroute to the Turkish resort city of Dalaman. After a normal take-off roll and initial climb, the crew was unable to verify full gear retraction or encountered a system fault related to the landing gear indicators.
At 4,000 feet, the climb was stopped, and the aircraft entered a holding pattern to the west of the airport. The crew advised air traffic control of a technical issue involving the landing gear and requested extended vectors to troubleshoot and reduce fuel weight.
The aircraft remained airborne for approximately two hours, during which time standard checklists were completed. There is no indication that the gear was stuck in a partially retracted or asymmetric configuration; however, it is likely that either gear position indicators or hydraulic system parameters were abnormal.
The aircraft eventually returned to Hanover and conducted a safe landing on runway 27R, the same runway used for departure. It vacated the runway normally, and ground services escorted the aircraft to a designated stand.
Crew & Communication
The flight crew maintained full communication with Hanover ATC and operated within standard procedures for gear-related anomalies. While no emergency was declared via squawk code, emergency services were notified and positioned for precautionary purposes.
During the holding period, the crew would have performed several diagnostic actions including:
Reviewing gear indication logic and electrical bus status Cycling gear lever position (if safe) Verifying hydraulic system pressure and quantity Monitoring gear status lights and ECAM/MFD messages
The decision to delay landing was consistent with industry norms, ensuring the aircraft was at a lower weight for a potential abnormal landing and to allow time for system re-assessment.
Aircraft Systems & Technical Analysis
The Boeing 737-800’s landing gear system is hydraulically actuated and electrically controlled. Gear position is monitored through multiple sensors and proximity switches located in the nose and main gear bays. Faults can arise from:
Incomplete gear retraction or gear door sequencing failure Proximity sensor or indication circuit faults Hydraulic pressure loss or valve malfunction Physical obstruction in the gear bay
It is unclear whether the fault affected gear movement itself or was limited to indication. In either case, the crew treated the matter conservatively.
Once on the ground, maintenance crews began inspection of:
Gear uplock mechanisms Landing gear indication systems Hydraulic actuators and fluid lines Electrical circuits linked to the gear control panel
No structural or external damage was reported, and the aircraft taxied under its own power.
Passenger Experience & Cabin Conditions
Passengers were reportedly informed early in the flight that a technical issue required holding and a return to Hanover. No abnormal noise, vibration, or onboard warnings were perceived by cabin occupants.
Cabin conditions remained stable throughout the delay. Cabin crew followed standard operating procedures, briefing passengers and preparing for a possible precautionary landing. No medical or support assistance was required following the event.
TUIfly arranged for a replacement Boeing 737-800 (registration D-ABMQ), which transported passengers to Dalaman with an overall delay of approximately five hours and fifteen minutes.
Emergency Response & Aftermath
Hanover Airport fire and rescue services were deployed in anticipation of a possible abnormal landing. The aircraft landed without incident and required no external assistance.
After the aircraft vacated the runway, TUIfly ground engineering teams began fault tracing, which is still ongoing. The aircraft remains out of service more than 13 hours after landing, pending further component testing or part replacement.
Flight disruption was limited, and the airline provided food and assistance during the delay period.
Investigation Status
No regulatory investigation has been announced, as the incident remains within operational tolerances and no safety breach occurred. TUIfly’s engineering and quality assurance divisions are handling the matter internally, reporting to the German Federal Aviation Office (LBA) if a recurring technical issue is identified.
Maintenance action will focus on:
Downloading gear position and hydraulic system data Functional testing of landing gear operation on jacks Review of recent maintenance records for open gear-related items
Depending on the root cause, the aircraft may return to service within the next operational window or may require extended downtime for replacement of electrical or hydraulic components.
Root Cause & Contributing Factors
Preliminary assessment points to a landing gear indication or sequencing fault. Potential root causes include:
Malfunctioning proximity sensor or uplock detection switch Hydraulic valve delay or low pressure in gear retraction circuit Miscommunication between gear lever position and system state Intermittent circuit fault in the gear logic relay panel
Environmental or operational factors such as temperature or power transient at gear retraction may have contributed.
Safety Recommendations & Industry Impact
This event underlines the need for:
Periodic inspection of landing gear proximity sensors and wiring integrity Prompt action on repeated system faults or ambiguous gear indications Conservative decision-making by flight crews when systems deviate from expected configuration
As the 737NG platform remains in widespread service globally, such occurrences are infrequent but not unheard of. TUIfly will likely continue to monitor its fleet for similar behaviour in related systems.
Conclusion
The TUIfly Boeing 737-800’s return to Hanover due to gear issues was managed professionally and in accordance with best practice. The flight crew maintained full control, prioritised safety, and avoided escalation.
With no injuries or damage, and a smooth resolution, the incident highlights the importance of conservative systems management in early flight phases, particularly when structural systems like landing gear deviate from expected configuration.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information and reports at the time of writing. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the information provided.
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