Synopsis

On 5 November 1997, an Airbus A340-300 operated by Virgin Atlantic airlines experienced a landing gear malfunction. The crew executed a successful partial gear up landing at London Heathrow.

Description

The following extract is from the official UK AAIB Report on the Accident:

The accident occurred when the aircraft, which had a landing gear problem on its final approach to Heathrow Airport, carried out an emergency landing on Runway 27L with the left main landing gear only partially extended, with the Airport Emergency Services in full and effective attendance. The evacuation was completed with minor injuries to 5 passengers and 2 crew members.

Examination of the left main landing gear found that the gear had been jammed by the No 6 wheel brake torque which had disconnected from its brake pack assembly and had become trapped in keel beam structure. The associated torque rod pin was subsequently found beyond the end of Runway 24L at Los Angeles International Airport […]

Cause

The investigation identified the following causal factors: