Steel X said:
I've heard about it too...
It didn't seem to be much of a problem when they landed on the plane lane and parked even though the landing gears are messed up...but at least they are okay, indeed.
they were lucky the Magnesium wheel didn't catch on fire.. as its very tought to put out. It would just keep burning and burning only way to put it out is with sand..thats what they get for having their aircraft maintenanced / service done in El Salador South America where they can't even read manuakls in English!
JetBlue incident with nose wheels stuck at 90 degrees.
What happened? Centering cam installed incorrectly!
Here is a technical explanation of the JetBlue incident from someone who has performed
the job correctly. It is amazing how if you ask the correct people, you can learn the facts
about a news item, assuming of course that facts are important.
Having seen this happen before I think you will find that the strut seals were replaced just
before this flight. During the reassembly, the centering cam was installed 90 degrees out
of its normal position. Now, when the weight comes off the nose gear the centering cam
turns the gear sideways. The gear will not retract because the tires are in the way. Airbus
designed the centering cam so it can be installed in 8 different positions, of which only 2 are
correct. Also the centering cams normal position is different than the ones on a Boeing as
the cam is not inline with the centerline of the aircraft but sits at a 45 degree angle to the
centerline when properly installed.
AMFA Local X
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Here are some photo's of the Jet Blue Incident that we all watched on TV recently.
It is surprising that the damage was limited to the wheel assemblies.
From the photo's here, it appears that the landing gear assembly was not damaged by
the landing and that only the tires and wheels were destroyed. It is incredibly fortunate
that the grinding appears to stop at the outer race of the wheel bearings perhaps sparing the axle.
Note the damage to the magnesium wheel. Magnesium produces O2 as it burns and consequently
a very large flame.-
Note the runway turn-off light, the steering by-pass box, etc. This gives you an
orientation of the gear verses the wheels 90 degrees out of position. It is clear the
torque links are involved in the incorrect positioning, now facing 270 degrees off the nose.
The failure is obviously in the assembly part that holds the upper mount of the torque link.
Im sure the passengers are relieved to be on the ground.. Wow. it was a pure rush to watch that.. whew..
