What happened
On April 13, 2015, a Jet Airways Boeing 737-800, registration VT-JGA, was operating a scheduled passenger flight from Varanasi to Khajuraho. The flight proceeded normally through the ILS approach and touchdown on Runway 19. However, approximately 15 seconds after the aircraft touched down, while traveling at 36 knots, the left main landing gear aft trunnion pin fractured.
This structural failure caused the left main landing gear to collapse, leading the aircraft to deviate from the runway centerline. The aircraft eventually came to a stop on the runway, resting on its nose, right main landing gear, and the left engine. The impact caused substantial damage to the airframe, including punctured composite panels and a broken support beam. While there were no fatalities among the 59 passengers and 8 crew members, one cabin crew member sustained minor bruises during the emergency evacuation. The incident resulted in a temporary closure of Khaj．uraho Airport, which also briefly stranded an Air India A-320.
The investigation
An inquiry conducted by the AAIB India examined the wreckage, flight data from the DFDR and CVR, and the maintenance history of the component. Investigators focused on the failure of the left main landing gear aft trunnion pin. The investigation included technical analysis of the pin's surface, which revealed "chicken wire" cracking across the chrome surface.
Technical scrutiny also extended to the overhaul process performed by a European provider. The investigation looked into the credentials of the maintenance vendor and the procedures used by the airline's quality department to evaluate overseas organizations. Additionally, the investigation reviewed the effectiveness of the emergency evacuation, noting that passengers exited via the left-side slides with hand baggage and footwear still on, and that the crew did not check external conditions before initiating the evacuation.