Urgent Learjet Alert: NTSB Calls for Critical Landing Gear Checks

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued an urgent directive for operators of Bombardier Learjet models, urging them to verify the correct attachment of their main landing gear. This precaution comes in response to multiple incidents, including a fatal runway accident in Scottsdale, Arizona, where improper attachment of the landing gear led to severe consequences.

The Scottsdale incident on February 10 involved a Learjet 35A that skidded off the runway, colliding with a Gulfstream 200 jet and resulting in the tragic loss of the captain's life. Three others on the Learjet and an occupant in the parked Gulfstream were seriously injured. These events have underscored the critical need for compliance with Bombardier's service bulletins, as emphasized by the NTSB's recommendation to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for mandatory inspections.

In historical context, the NTSB highlighted previous similar landing gear incidents in Oklahoma City, Florida, and Recife. Bombardier, who stopped manufacturing Learjet aircraft in 2022, issued a service bulletin for a one-time gear check, yet only 12% of aircraft underwent this inspection. The NTSB urges that revised procedures include a clear visual check post-maintenance to ensure safety and prevent oversight.