Front Landing Gear Grinds Off - Everyone Safe

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a recent incident involving an aircraft landing with its front landing gear malfunctioning, specifically facing sideways. Participants share their reactions to the event, observations about the landing process, and thoughts on safety measures related to such emergencies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express surprise at the landing's outcome, noting it appeared intense and dangerous, yet ultimately resulted in a safe stop.
  • There are differing opinions on the nature of the sparks observed during landing, with some attributing them to grinding sparks from metal contact rather than flames.
  • One participant suggests that the length of the runway was crucial for the successful landing, implying that other airports might not have provided the same safety margin.
  • Some participants discuss the potential for injuries during emergency evacuations, arguing that the risk from escape chutes may exceed that of landing gear failures.
  • There is speculation about the design of aircraft and their ability to handle nose-down landings, with some noting that such landings can be less dangerous compared to rear wheel failures.
  • One participant raises the idea of implementing arresting gear on civilian aircraft, while others question its practicality and potential risks to passengers during a sudden stop.
  • Concerns are voiced about the structural integrity of the aircraft during the landing, with some participants fearing that the front axle could have failed, leading to catastrophic consequences.
  • Participants mention that pilots are trained for such emergencies, although there is uncertainty about the specific procedures for this type of landing gear failure.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement on the safety of the landing and the effectiveness of pilot training, but there are multiple competing views regarding the implications of the landing gear failure, the necessity of arresting gear, and the risks associated with emergency evacuations.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions highlight the limitations of current safety measures and the variability in emergency procedures depending on the nature of the landing gear failure. There is also mention of the need for more information on the specific runway requirements for such landings.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in aviation safety, emergency procedures, aircraft design, and the mechanics of landing gear systems may find this discussion relevant.

  • #31
World record- Longest tire skid?
 
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  • #32
This is off the topic but not completely unrelated. I used to own an old, rusty VW Golf. One day it literally broke in two and was held by the front-back differential rod in the middle. (I never figured why a differential rod is needed in a FWD but was glad there was one.) Obliviously I kept driving it for a few more weeks. In curves, the back half actually swayed in the opposite direction of the front.
 
  • #33
Integral said:
Not a good idea, arresting gear landings slam the front wheel into the deck HARD! That would have caused real trouble in this situation. Watch the video, you will see that the pilot kept the front wheel off the runway as long as possible, then he let it down slow. Had it hit hard at full speed it may have folded, that would have been bad news.

This is not the only landing gear problem they could have now is it? I think it is a very good idea to have arresting gear as an option. There could be times when that would be the best option even if this time it was not...
 
  • #34
Arresting gear is not suitable for a commercial aircraft. Structurally the aircraft is not designed to have an an arresting hook attached and then to absorb the subsequent stress on the airframe.

The operating procedures in use are quite safe today with reverse thrust, powerful brakes, some runways have breakable cement after the end of the runway to slow the aircraft if necessary. Pilot discretion and performance charts are also adequate in effecting the methods for stopping today.
 
  • #35
sean1234 said:
Arresting gear is not suitable for a commercial aircraft.
Why not?

Structurally the aircraft is not designed to have an an arresting hook attached and then to absorb the subsequent stress on the airframe.

What kind of airframe do they have? There isn't a keel or a hefty longeron they could attach the arresting hook to?
 
  • #36
It is not a matter of the actual attachment, but rather having the structure capable of sustaining a tremendous amount of force, starting at where the hook is connected to the aircraft. Also this would likely require a stronger nose wheel to absorb much of the force that will also be seen there as well.

This isn't something than can be modified to an airframe. Boeing, Airbus or whoever would have to build an entirely new design to incorporate this idea. I am sure it has been explored, but it just isn't worth it/necessary.
 
  • #37
sean1234 said:
It is not a matter of the actual attachment, but rather having the structure capable of sustaining a tremendous amount of force, starting at where the hook is connected to the aircraft. Also this would likely require a stronger nose wheel to absorb much of the force that will also be seen there as well.


I don't see the problem at all...the arrested landing would be a one time only deal. It would be something to be used in emergencies where the other options lead to a greater risk of death and personal injury.
 
  • #38
Townsend said:
I don't see the problem at all...the arrested landing would be a one time only deal. It would be something to be used in emergencies where the other options lead to a greater risk of death and personal injury.
I think sean's point is that if the frame isn't rebuilt more strongly then the gear may not work at all.

P.S. By the same logic, each airplane can be equipped with an iron achor that will be thrown out of the exit door while the other end will be tightly held by the crew. Much less expensive, yet it could work as good as any other bandaid solution.
 
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  • #39
Another excelent European product saves the day :-) *hopes the axel was made in the EU*
 
  • #40
I've never heard of a landing gear screw up where stopping the plane was the issue.
 

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