Lufthansa Dreamliner Stranded at Denver Airport After Landing Gear Malfunction
A Boeing 787 Dreamliner operated by Lufthansa experienced a landing gear issue upon arrival at Denver International Airport. The aircraft was unable to disembark its passengers due to the mechanical problem. This incident comes on the heels of a recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposal for an airworthiness directive targeting the 787’s main landing gear. The directive, issued less than two months prior, highlighted potential safety concerns related to the landing gear system.
Dreamliner 787 Landing gear problem
On September 25th, a Lufthansa Boeing 787 Dreamliner (registration: D-ABPE) encountered a technical issue during its ascent from Denver International Airport. While en route to Frankfurt, the aircraft experienced a malfunction with its landing gear doors, forcing the flight crew to abort the climb at approximately 10,000 feet. The incident prompted a precautionary return to Denver for further inspection and troubleshooting.
As detailed in a report by The Aviation Herald, a passenger aboard the Lufthansa 787 Dreamliner recounted that the aircraft initially returned to the apron to accommodate a medical emergency on board. Following refueling, the plane took off but encountered a mechanical issue during its ascent. The captain informed passengers that the landing gear doors were unable to retract, necessitating a return to the airport for further inspection and troubleshooting.
The Boeing 787’s landing gear system has been under scrutiny by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Last month, the agency proposed an airworthiness directive addressing potential concerns with the landing gear, affecting over 130 in-service Dreamliners within the United States. This incident follows a series of investigations into Boeing’s manufacturing practices. In recent years, the company has faced scrutiny over falsified inspection records related to its 787 program, raising questions about the quality control measures in place.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an airworthiness directive for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner following reports of inadequate quality control inspections during the manufacturing process. These inspections, which are crucial for ensuring the integrity of the aircraft’s components, were found to be lacking on the assembly line. The omission of these inspections raised concerns about the potential for landing gear failure in the event of undetected cracks. In response to these safety risks, Boeing initially released a service bulletin addressing a specific group of 787 aircraft in November 2023. However, as the extent of the quality control issues became clearer, the FAA expanded the directive to encompass all Dreamliner models, mandating inspections and potential repairs for a wider range of aircraft.