In a dramatic incident nearly two years ago, an Alaska Airlines flight encountered a harrowing landing at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, amid the severe conditions of Tropical Storm Hilary. A recent report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has clarified the causes behind the unsettling event that left passengers in fear as sparks flew from the aircraft’s damaged landing gear.
The investigation revealed that inadequate maintenance was to blame. The aircraft had departed Seattle only to make a hard landing in Santa Ana, resulting in the collapse of the left main landing gear. An alarming video captured the moment, showing the plane hitting the runway with such force that its left wing scraped against the tarmac, igniting sparks.
It was discovered that a “fatigue crack” in a metal trunnion pin, a critical component of the left landing gear, had developed. This crack originated from excessive grinding during a maintenance overhaul in 2018, which had overheated the metal and went undetected for about 800 landings before it ultimately fractured during this landing.
The NTSB emphasized the potential dangers of even minor overheating during maintenance, as it can lead to significant failures, as demonstrated in this case. Thankfully, all 112 individuals on board managed to evacuate safely after the plane sustained extensive damage. Alaska Airlines has since prioritized addressing guests’ needs and retrieving their belongings after the incident.
Source: www.foxnews.com
