Narrative:The IAI Westwind jet was flying transplant organs from Mar del Plata to Buenos Aires, Argentina. On approach to Buenos Aires-Jorge Newbery Airport, the nose gear failed to extend. A low pass was carried out which confirmed the status of the nose gear. The controller then directed the flight to Ezeiza Airport because that airport was better equipped to handle an emergency and Jorge Newbery Airport just has one runway.
When new attempts to lower the gear had failed, the crew decided to return to Jorge Newbery Airport, fearing that a landing at Ezeiza might further delay the transport of the organs.
Probable Cause:
CAUSA PROBABLE:
Aterrizaje con el tren de nariz retraído, provocando daños leves en la aeronave, debido a que el sistema de extensión del tren se trabó con el del sistema de guiado, por la rotura de una pieza de éste último, originada en un proceso de fatiga. Fueron factores contribuyentes: Marcas de rebabado hechas durante el proceso de fabricación. Posibles esfuerzos anormales durante los procedimientos de remolque al no seguirse las indicaciones establecidas en los manuales. Diseño de la pieza con escaso margen para soportar esfuerzos posibles de alcanzar durante las operaciones de tren y/o de remolque terrestres.
Classification:
Gear-up landing
Forced landing on runway
Photos
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does
not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Mar del Plata Airport, BA to Buenos Aires-Jorge Newbery Airport, BA as the crow flies is 382 km (239 miles).
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.