News / Landing gear became stuck on approach to Scatsta
A HELICOPTER arriving into Scatsta Airport earlier this year had to have its front landing gear pulled out by ground crew after it became stuck, a report has revealed.
The Sikorsky S-92A, with two crew and 19 passengers on board, suffered the problem on 29 January as it arrived back from the Magnus offshore platform.
A report from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said that the nose landing gear failed to extend as the helicopter approached the airport.
The decision was taken for ground staff to lever the landing gear down manually while the helicopter’s rear wheels touched the ground.
The manoeuvre was carried out safely as emergency services waited on standby.
The crew picked this option because as they were landing at a maintenance base, “they had the advantage of additional expertise on hand and the time to identify and rectify the problem”.
It was found that the automatic nosewheel self-centring mechanism had not operated, causing the nosewheels to jam the nose leg in its bay.
The exact cause of the failure of the nose landing gear to centre the nosewheels could not be determined, although the manufacturer “observed signs of leakage around the hydraulic port, and oily deposits on the nose landing gear”.
The AAIB said the operator is undertaking three safety actions following the incident to reduce the risk of nosewheels not self-centring during retraction again.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
