What happened
On June 11, 2008, a commercial cargo flight, operating as GRR-131, was conducting a flight from Madeira (LPMA) to Lisbon (LPPT). While on final approach to runway 03, the flight crew attempted to extend the flaps, but the mechanism failed to move. The crew performed the prescribed abnormal and emergency procedures; however, these actions did not restore flap functionality. After entering a holding pattern to burn off excess fuel, the crew performed a flapless landing at Lisbon Airport. The landing was completed successfully with no injuries to the two crew members or the single passenger on board, and no damage was sustained by the aircraft.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the flap system. Following the incident, maintenance personnel conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft's flap system on the ground. During this inspection, no mechanical abnormalities or defects were identified. The maintenance team proceeded to lubricate the ball-screw and the associated transmission components. Following this lubrication, operational tests confirmed that the flap system was functioning normally.