Incident
On May 23, 2011, at 0230 local time, an El Al Boeing 777-800, registration 4X-ECD, departed Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport on a scheduled passenger flight to Newark. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft's left main landing gear failed to retract. The flight crew decided to return to Tel Aviv. Prior to landing, the aircraft dumped fuel, and an Israeli Air Force F-16 performed an in-flight confirmation of the landing gear extension. The flight landed without incident, and no injuries were reported.
Inspection Findings
Following the landing, inspection of the landing gear that failed to retract revealed a structural failure in the upper portion of the left main landing gear, specifically where it enters the forward trunnion. The failed component was removed from the aircraft for further examination.
Investigation
The investigation is being conducted by the State of Israel's Ministry of Transport. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has appointed an Accredited Representative to assist the investigation under the provisions of ICAO Annex 13, as the State of Manufacture and Design of the airplane and engines.
All requests for information should be directed to:
State of Israel Ministry of Transport PO Box 120 Ben Gurion Airport Tel Aviv, Israel