Another incident involving non-retraction of landing gear raises questions over aircraft (242 words)

Published: 9/12/2001

On 5th September 2001, a Tu-154M belonging to Uzbekistan's national carrier, Uzbekistan Airlines (Uzbekiston Havo Yollary) made an emergency landing in Ufa Airport, with severe damage to the aircraft's right wing. It is not known whether there were any casualties, but it is believed that there were no fatalities as a result of the incident. The aircraft, with 106 passengers and ten crew members on board, was en route from Ufa in Russia to Tashkent. During takeoff, the crew discovered a problem with the aircraft's right landing gear that would not retract. The aircraft consequently lost fuel and attempted a landing at Ufa. During the landing, however, the gear collapsed and the right wing touched the ground, breaking under the impact. The accident is now under investigation by MAK (Interstate Aviation Committee), but the incidents involving non-retraction of landing gear on the Tu-154 seem to be increasing in frequency. In August 2001, a Tu-154B belonging to Magadan-based airline, MAVIAL (Magadan Airlines) made an emergency landing in Magadan Airport owing to the failure of the left landing gear to retract. Earlier, in March, a Tu-154 belonging to Tyumenaviatrans also made an emergency landing at Surgut Airport, after the crew failed to retract the aircraft's landing gear after take-off. In another two incidents, Sibir's Tu-154s experienced similar problems in January, forcing them both to make emergency landings.

Article ID: 2751