“Excessive grinding” during maintenance led to a metal pin cracking and eventually breaking causing the left landing gear to collapse on an Alaska Airlines flight in 2023, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a final report Tuesday. On August 20, 2023, the Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-800 was landing at John Wayne-Orange County Airport in California when the gear failed, sending sparks flying as the engine scraped the runway. There were 112 passengers and crew on board, who had to evacuate from stairs onto a taxiway, but no injuries were reported. When the plane touched down, the captain reported feeling a “firm jolt” and the plane was “pulling reasonably hard” to the left. In the NTSB’s analysis, a “fatigue crack,” in a metal pin 0.144 inches deep, was “large enough to cause the remaining material of the 10-inch-long pin to fracture… during landing, resulting in the collapse of the left main landing gear.” The “excessive grinding” of the surface of the pin likely happened during a maintenance overhaul on July 5, 2018, after it was covered in chrome, the NTSB said. The grinding caused too much heat, which made the metal softer and more likely to break. The crack wasn’t present at the time of the maintenance work but likely developed after about 4,000 subsequent landings, the board found.
Landing gear collapse on Alaska Airlines 737 caused by ‘excessive grinding’ during maintenance, NTSB says
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"NTSB Report Identifies Maintenance Errors as Cause of Alaska Airlines 737 Landing Gear Collapse"
CNN
8.4
TruthLens AI Summary
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has concluded that 'excessive grinding' during maintenance was the primary cause of a landing gear collapse on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-800 in August 2023. The incident occurred on August 20, when the aircraft was landing at John Wayne-Orange County Airport in California. As the left landing gear failed, sparks were generated as the aircraft's engine scraped against the runway. Fortunately, all 112 passengers and crew members aboard the flight were able to evacuate safely onto a taxiway, with no injuries reported. Upon touchdown, the captain experienced a noticeable 'firm jolt' and reported that the plane was 'pulling reasonably hard' to the left, indicating a significant malfunction in the landing gear system.
The NTSB's investigation revealed that a fatigue crack in a metal pin, measuring 0.144 inches deep, led to the failure of the landing gear. This crack was deemed large enough to cause the 10-inch-long pin to fracture during landing, ultimately resulting in the collapse of the left main landing gear. The excessive grinding, which likely occurred during a maintenance overhaul on July 5, 2018, compromised the integrity of the pin. The grinding process generated excessive heat, which softened the metal, making it more susceptible to failure. Although the crack was not detectable at the time of the maintenance, it is believed to have developed after approximately 4,000 subsequent landings. This incident underscores the importance of rigorous maintenance practices and the potential consequences of inadequate attention to detail in aircraft servicing.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) outlines a significant incident involving an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-800. The failure of the left landing gear during landing has raised concerns over maintenance practices and safety protocols within the airline industry. Such incidents can have far-reaching implications, both for public perception and regulatory scrutiny.
Purpose of the Article
The intention behind publishing this news seems to be multi-faceted. Primarily, it aims to inform the public about the mechanical failure that occurred and the identified causes, particularly emphasizing the role of maintenance practices. By detailing the "excessive grinding" that led to the incident, the NTSB is likely aiming to underscore the importance of rigorous maintenance standards in aviation safety. This serves to reassure the public regarding ongoing safety measures while also highlighting areas needing improvement.
Public Perception
The article seeks to evoke a sense of vigilance among travelers and aviation enthusiasts regarding mechanical safety and maintenance practices. By focusing on the technical details of the failure, it may also foster a perception of transparency from regulatory bodies like the NTSB. This transparency can help build public trust in air travel safety, although it may raise concerns about the competence of the airline's maintenance procedures.
Potential Omissions
While the article provides specific insights into the mechanical failure, there is potential for deeper exploration of Alaska Airlines' overall maintenance culture or a broader context of safety incidents in the aviation industry. By not including these aspects, the article could be seen as glossing over systemic issues that may exist, which might lead readers to feel that not all relevant information is being shared.
Trustworthiness of the News
The article appears to be credible, primarily because it references an official report from the NTSB, a respected authority in aviation safety. The technical details presented, such as the specifics of the metal pin's failure, suggest a thorough investigation. However, the potential for bias exists if the narrative is framed to downplay the airline's accountability.
Influence on Society and Economy
News of landing gear failures can have implications for airline stocks, especially if they raise concerns about safety and operational practices. Investors may react by selling shares of airlines perceived as having safety issues, impacting stock market dynamics. Additionally, this incident could prompt regulatory bodies to impose stricter maintenance regulations, influencing operational costs for airlines.
Target Audience
The article likely resonates with safety-conscious travelers, aviation professionals, and regulatory bodies. It aims to address concerns from passengers about the safety of air travel while also appealing to industry stakeholders who are responsible for maintaining safety standards.
Global Implications
While this incident is localized, it reflects broader issues within the aviation industry worldwide. With increasing scrutiny on airline safety practices, this report may fuel discussions on global aviation regulations and standards.
AI Involvement
There is a possibility that AI was utilized in the drafting of the report, particularly in analyzing data or synthesizing technical information. Such technology could help in presenting complex information in a digestible format. However, there is no direct evidence within the article that suggests a manipulative intent influenced by AI.
In conclusion, the article is a critical piece regarding aviation safety, revealing specific failures while also highlighting the necessity of stringent maintenance practices. The report is credible and serves an essential function in maintaining public awareness and trust in air travel safety.