Incident Description
On 13 February 2016, an Embraer ERJ-175 operated by LOT Polish Airlines was climbing after departure from an airport within the TMA EPWA (Warsaw Terminal Manoeuvring Area) when the flight crew was unable to retract the landing gear. The crew decided to return to the departure airport while continuing attempts to troubleshoot the malfunction. The aircraft was vectored to a downwind position for an ILS approach to runway 11. At approximately 10 nautical miles from the airport, the crew reported that the malfunction had been cleared and elected to continue the flight to the originally intended destination. The remainder of the flight proceeded without further anomalies.
Investigation Findings
The post-incident investigation determined that the landing gear malfunction was temporary. No caution or warning messages appeared on the Crew Alerting System (CAS). Analysis of flight data recorder parameters showed no irregularities. It was further established that the crew could have used the LDG GEAR LEVER RELEASE button, which would have resolved the issue on the next retraction attempt without any additional actions. The crew did not file an ASR (Aviation Safety Report), which was considered a deviation from the operator's established procedures.
Probable Cause
The most probable cause of the incident was a temporary electronic lock of the landing gear lever system for an undetermined reason.
Operator Actions
The event was recorded in the operator's Safety Management System (SMS) database and classified according to LOT Polish Airlines' criteria. It will be included in the safety performance indicators monitored per the principles in the Safety Management Manual.
Safety Recommendations
None issued by the investigating commission.