Incident Overview

Description
The IAI Westwind jet was flying transplant organs from Mar del Plata to Buenos Aires, Argentina. On approach to Buenos Aires-Jorge Newbery Airport, the nose gear failed to extend. A low pass was carried out which confirmed the status of the nose gear. The controller then directed the flight to Ezeiza Airport because that airport was better equipped to handle an emergency and Jorge Newbery Airport just has one runway. When new attempts to lower the gear had failed, the crew decided to return to Jorge Newbery Airport, fearing that a landing at Ezeiza might further delay the transport of the organs. CAUSA PROBABLE: Aterrizaje con el tren de nariz retra¡do, provocando da¤os leves en la aeronave, debido a que el sistema de extensi¢n del tren se trab¢ con el del sistema de guiado, por la rotura de una pieza de ste £ltimo, originada en un proceso de fatiga. Fueron factores contribuyentes: Marcas de rebabado hechas durante el proceso de fabricaci¢n. Posibles esfuerzos anormales durante los procedimientos de remolque al no seguirse las indicaciones establecidas en los manuales. Dise¤o de la pieza con escaso margen para soportar esfuerzos posibles de alcanzar durante las operaciones de tren y/o de remolque terrestres.
Primary Cause
Rear nose gear retraction leading to minor damage to the aircraft.Rear nose gear retraction leading to minor damage to the aircraft.Share on: