What happened
On January 12, 2011, a Boeing MD-83, registration MD, was conducting a ferry flight when the flight crew determined the aircraft had insufficient fuel to reach its intended destination. Due to the risk of near fuel exhaustion, the crew decided to return to Orly International Airport in Paris, France.
At the time of the decision, the aircraft's landing gear was already extended. During the initial approach, air traffic controllers instructed the crew to perform a go-around because the aircraft was not positioned correctly for landing. The aircraft subsequently completed a second approach and landed at the airport without further incident. There were no injuries resulting from the event.
The investigation
The Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses pour la Sécurité de l’Aviation Civile (BEA) of France led the investigation into the event. The NTSB appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist, acting as the state of design and manufacture for the aircraft.