The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary report into last month’s landing incident involving a Delta Air Lines Boeing 717 in Charlotte, NC.
According the preliminary report, a fractured link mechanism in the nose landing gear assembly prevented the nose leg from extending, resulting in substantial damage during the landing.
Delta Flight 1092 Landing Incident
On June 28, 2023, Delta Air Lines flight 1092, a Boeing 717-200, experienced a landing incident at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in Charlotte, North Carolina.
During the landing, the nose landing gear of the aircraft did not extend, leading to substantial damage. However, all 104 passengers and crew on board were able to evacuate safely, without any injuries.
Initial Approach and Go-Around
According to the flight crew, when the airplane was approximately 2,000 feet above ground level, the first officer (FO) lowered the landing gear handle but noticed that the nose wheel unsafe condition light illuminated.
This was confirmed through the electronic instrument system (EIS). The crew initiated a go-around to troubleshoot the issue and complete the necessary checklists. They also attempted a manual gear extension but were unsuccessful.
Delta Air Lines’ Atlanta flight control was informed of the situation via the Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS), and an emergency was declared with air traffic control (ATC). The flight continued its approach on the ILS 36L procedure.
As the airplane descended to about 300 feet above ground level, ATC notified the flight crew that the nose wheel was not visible. Another go-around was initiated.
Final Landing
Despite multiple attempts to lower the nose wheel using normal and manual procedures, the crew was unable to do so, and they decided to proceed with the landing.
The aircraft touched down approximately 1,400 feet from the runway threshold, and the nose was lowered onto the runway at around 80 knots. It came to a stop just before taxiway W7, where the CLT airport aircraft rescue and fire-fighting (ARFF) team sprayed water on the nose wheel area.
Following the landing, the flight crew followed the shutdown and evacuation checklists. After ensuring the area was safe, an evacuation was carried out through the forward entry doors, with passengers using emergency slides.
Subsequent Examination of Landing Gear
A subsequent examination of the nose landing gear system revealed a fractured upper lock link. This fracture allowed the lower lock link to swing down to a vertical position, obstructing the movement of the nose landing gear assembly.
The fractured lock link has been sent to the NTSB materials laboratory for further analysis. Additionally, the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and the flight data recorder (FDR) have been sent to the NTSB recorders laboratory for downloading. The aircraft’s maintenance records have been quarantined and will undergo a thorough review as part of the investigation.