Hydraulic System Failure Leads to Nose Gear Retraction on Boeing 707

Casualties unknown • Miami, FL, US

A Boeing 707 experienced a total loss of utility hydraulic fluid following a component failure, resulting in an unsuccessful attempt to manually extend the nose landing gear during approach to Miami.

What happened

Approximately one hour after departing, the Boeing 707 suffered a complete loss of all hydraulic fluid from its utility hydraulic system. During the approach to Miami, the crew attempted to address the landing gear configuration. The flight engineer successfully performed a manual extension of the main landing gear.

However, efforts to manually lower the nose landing gear were unsuccessful. While passing the control tower, the aircraft's nose gear doors were observed to be open, but the gear remained in a retracted position. Despite this configuration, the crew managed to land the aircraft safely with no injuries reported.

Following the landing, the aircraft was raised to allow for further inspection. Technicians were able to extend the nose landing gear using the normal manual extension system. Subsequent testing in a hangar, which included retracting and manually extending the nose gear four additional times, showed no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction in the gear itself.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-02-22 Boeing 707-323C accident near Miami, FL?

A Boeing 707 experienced a total loss of utility hydraulic fluid following a component failure, resulting in an unsuccessful attempt to manually extend the nose landing gear during approach to Miami.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-02-22 involved a Boeing 707-323C, registration N751MA, operated by Millon Air, at Miami, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

failure of the flight engineer to follow the appropriate emergency procedure to manually extend the nose landing gear. Factors relating to the incident were: fatigue failure of the utility hydraulic system relief valve, which resulted in an inoperative normal gear extension system; the flight engineer's lack of total…

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05294. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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