Incident Overview
On November 1, 2011, a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, registration SP-LPC, operated by LOT Polish Airlines as flight LO 16, was scheduled from Newark Liberty International Airport (KEWR) to Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA). The pre-departure check was performed by a ground engineer from a contracted service organization in accordance with the operator's requirements. The engineer conducted the pre-departure and ETOPS checks, which did not include a cockpit check, and found no irregularities.
Flight Crew Actions
The flight crew arrived at Newark at the designated time and reported being rested and in good condition. The captain conducted an exterior walk-around, while the first officer performed the cockpit check, verifying onboard equipment and preparation. No failures were noted, and the aircraft was deemed fully operational.
Inflight Hydraulic Failure
Engine start occurred at 03:58:11, with takeoff at 04:19:08. During landing gear and flap retraction, hydraulic fluid from the center hydraulic system (C system) was lost, causing a pressure drop. This was indicated on the hydraulic panel and EICAS. The crew completed the QRH procedure for C system pressure loss and, after consulting the operator's maintenance control center (MCC), decided to continue to Warsaw. Landing was planned using the alternate landing gear extension system.
Landing Gear Extension Difficulties
At 12:17 during approach to Warsaw, the crew attempted alternate landing gear extension per QRH, but the gear did not lower after the expected time. A second attempt also failed, leading to a go-around. At 12:22, the crew reported the inability to extend gear to ATC and requested MCC assistance. At 12:25, an emergency was declared. The aircraft was directed to a holding area, and the operator's operations center provided expert guidance. The first officer checked the alternate extension switch and circuit breakers on panels P-11 and P6-1, including cycling the ALT EXT MOTOR circuit breaker as advised, but the gear remained retracted.
External Inspection and Final Approach
Two Polish Air Force F-16s inspected the aircraft and reported the landing gear still retracted but the tail skid extended. The crew attempted gravitational gear extension, but it failed. With low fuel, the crew decided on an emergency gear-up landing. The cabin crew prepared passengers, who remained calm and followed instructions.
Emergency Landing and Evacuation
Firefighters applied foam on runway 33 over about 3000 meters. The aircraft touched down at 13:39 with approximately 1600 kg of fuel, engines running (N1 left 57%, right 38%). The aircraft stopped 42 meters after the intersection with runway 29. Sparks from the right engine were suppressed by foam, but the engine later caught fire and was extinguished by airport fire services. All passengers and crew evacuated without injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage and was withdrawn from service.
Probable Cause
Causes of the accident: 1. Failure of the hydraulic hose connecting the hydraulic system on the right leg of the main landing gear with the center hydraulic system, which initiated the occurrence. 2. Open C829 BAT BUS DISTR circuit breaker in the power supply circuit of the alternate landing gear extension system in the situation when the center hydraulic system was inoperative. 3. The crew’s failure to detect the open C829 circuit breaker during approach to landing, after detecting that the landing gear could not be extended with the alternate system.