History of the Flight
The aircraft, a BAe 146-200 registered G-RAJJ, departed Gatwick at 1807 hrs on 23 February 2015 for a charter flight to Guernsey. After takeoff, the landing gear was selected up, but the main gear indicators remained red, indicating the gear had not locked. The crew followed the emergency checklist, selected gear down, and the indicators turned green, showing the gear was down-and-locked. They decided to continue to Guernsey.
Landing and Aftermath
The aircraft landed on Runway 27 at Guernsey Airport at 1854 hrs. On touchdown, the aircraft pulled to the left. The co-pilot reported no brake pressure on the green system. The commander selected the alternate braking system, which responded normally. After slowing the aircraft, they vacated the runway. The crew noticed the aircraft listing to the left during taxi, suspecting a tyre burst. Eight minutes after landing, they informed ATC of a possible tyre burst. Another aircraft landed on the runway during this period before a runway inspection was initiated.
Damage and Investigation
Once parked, it was discovered that the left main landing gear shock absorber had separated into two parts and the No 1 mainwheel tyre had burst. Debris from the tyre and shock absorber was later found on Runway 27. The AAIB investigation noted that the shock absorber separation could have resulted from a hard landing or incorrect gas pressures and oil level. Physical damage to the shock absorber diaphragm threads and locking bolts had started at least two flight cycles prior and may have occurred while fitted to another aircraft.
Crew Actions
The commander had prior experience of false gear indications and assumed a faulty microswitch. He did not stop on the runway to avoid blocking it, believing it safe to taxi with a burst tyre and one failed hydraulic system. The operator's internal investigation later determined that a pan call should have been made, and returning to Gatwick would have been more suitable. The operator also expected that after a suspected tyre burst, the aircraft should stop and alert ATC without delay.