A Delta Air Lines Boeing 717 landed on its belly after a crack in a part of the supports for the nose landing gear kept it from extending, according to a National Transportation Safety Board final report issued Tuesday. The flight was attempting to land at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on June 28, 2023, when a warning light came on as the pilots were trying to lower the landing gear. The jet circled the airport as they attempted to manually extend the gear, but without success. After multiple tries, the pilots declared an emergency and landed with the nose gear up, skidding to a stop with the front of the plane scraping the runway. The 99 passengers and five crew members were not injured during the landing and departed the aircraft on emergency slides. The NTSB found a metal fatigue crack along scratches in the “upper lock link,” one of the forged aluminum supports for the landing gear. “The appearance of the scratch features was consistent with tool marks such as from filing or grinding operations,” the NTSB report said. “These scratch features likely acted as stress concentration areas for crack initiation.” A 2001 alert from the plane’s manufactures, Boeing and McDonnell Douglas, called for these parts to be inspected for tool marks or rough surfaces, and this “upper lock link” had been marked as inspected in 2009. After an overhaul of the landing gear, the part was put into a different plane in 2014 where it remained until the accident. The NTSB found that the maintenance facility did not comply with the service bulletin, which contributed to the accident. In total, the part had flown 41,257 times before it broke, the report concluded. As a result of the investigation into this accident, all Boeing 717 “lock links” were inspected and no additional cracks were found.
Delta flight could not lower landing gear because of broken support piece, NTSB finds
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"NTSB Report Reveals Cause of Delta Flight's Belly Landing Due to Landing Gear Malfunction"
CNN
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TruthLens AI Summary
A Delta Air Lines Boeing 717 encountered a serious incident on June 28, 2023, when it landed on its belly at Charlotte Douglas International Airport due to a malfunction in its landing gear system. According to the final report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the pilots were alerted by a warning light indicating a failure to extend the nose landing gear as they prepared for landing. In an effort to resolve the issue, the flight crew attempted to manually lower the gear but were unsuccessful. After several attempts and realizing the situation was critical, they declared an emergency and proceeded to land the aircraft with the nose gear retracted. The landing resulted in the plane skidding on its belly, with the front scraping against the runway. Fortunately, all 99 passengers and five crew members aboard were unharmed and evacuated safely using emergency slides following the landing.
The NTSB's investigation revealed that a crack in the upper lock link, a crucial support component of the nose landing gear, was responsible for the gear’s failure to extend. The report indicated that the crack was likely exacerbated by previous tool marks on the part, which were consistent with improper maintenance practices. A service alert issued by Boeing and McDonnell Douglas in 2001 had recommended inspections for such defects, yet the upper lock link had been marked as inspected in 2009 and had undergone multiple flights since then. The part had accumulated over 41,000 flight cycles before the incident. The NTSB concluded that the maintenance facility responsible for the part did not adhere to the necessary service bulletin guidelines, which ultimately contributed to the failure. Following this event, inspections of all Boeing 717 lock links were carried out, and no additional cracks were found, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance procedures in aviation safety.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The incident involving a Delta Air Lines Boeing 717 is alarming, highlighting critical issues related to aircraft maintenance and safety protocols. It emphasizes the potential dangers that can stem from lapses in adherence to established maintenance guidelines.
Purpose of the Article
This news piece aims to inform the public about the findings of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) regarding a serious incident that could have had severe consequences. By detailing the technical issues that led to the emergency landing, the article focuses on the need for rigorous maintenance and compliance with safety regulations. The goal appears to be raising awareness about aviation safety standards and the importance of diligent inspections.
Public Perception
The article likely intends to foster a sense of caution among travelers concerning airline safety, while also reminding the aviation industry of the potential ramifications of neglecting maintenance protocols. It reinforces the importance of regulatory compliance and the need for accountability within airline operations.
Omissions or Concealed Information
While the article does not seem to hide information, it focuses solely on the technical failure and does not delve into broader systemic issues that may contribute to such failures, such as operational pressures or budget constraints faced by airlines. This might leave some readers with an incomplete understanding of the complexities involved in aviation safety.
Manipulative Aspects
The article does not overtly manipulate information; however, it does emphasize the failures in maintenance to paint a picture of negligence. This can create a narrative that may lead to fear or distrust in airlines, affecting public confidence.
Credibility of the News
The report is highly credible, as it is based on an official investigation by the NTSB, an authoritative body in aviation safety. The detailed technical analysis and the historical context provided lend further reliability to the information presented.
Societal Implications
This news could influence public trust in airlines, potentially leading to increased scrutiny of airline safety practices. It may prompt passengers to demand more transparency regarding maintenance protocols, thereby pressuring airlines to enhance their safety measures.
Target Audience
The article seems to target a broad audience, including frequent flyers, aviation enthusiasts, and industry professionals. It appeals to those concerned about air travel safety and the integrity of airline operations.
Market Impact
In the stock market context, this news could affect airlines' stock prices, particularly Delta Air Lines. Investors may react to concerns about safety protocols, maintenance costs, or potential regulatory implications stemming from the incident.
Global Context
While the incident itself is specific to Delta Air Lines and does not have direct international ramifications, it reflects broader issues within the aviation industry regarding safety standards. In today’s global environment, maintaining high safety standards is crucial for the reputation and operation of airlines worldwide.
Use of AI in the Article
It is unlikely that AI was used in drafting the article. However, AI could have potentially been employed in the analysis of data or in the investigative process of the NTSB. The structured presentation of findings may suggest a methodical approach typical of data analysis, which could be supported by AI tools.
Conclusion on Reliability
This article is reliable due to its basis in an official investigation and the factual nature of the reporting. The findings are presented clearly, allowing readers to grasp the seriousness of the incident and the implications for airline safety.