Pilot forced to make emergency landing

[Joey d]

THREE men had a miraculous escape last night when a Cessna plane was forced to make a 'belly landing' after its undercarriage failed.

A full emergency alert was issued at Cork Airport at around 7pm as the plane circled the runway to burn off fuel and then made a wheels-up landing on the grass verge parallel to the main concrete runway.

The pilot was able to retain control as he ploughed into the grass. The plane was badly damaged but the three occupants emerged unhurt.

A major investigation into the incident by both the Department of Transport and the Irish Aviation Authority has begun.

Investigators will conduct a detailed examination of the Cessna plane to determine the precise cause of the problem.

The drama unfolded shortly after the propeller-driven aircraft took off with three occupants from a Dublin aerodrome.

The pilot noticed there was a problem the undercarriage after take-off and, as the plane passed near Cork Airport, he conferred with staff on the ground.

Officials confirmed that the undercarriage could not be lowered and the pilot realised he would have to make a 'belly landing'.

Scheduled flights were not affected.

Ralph Riegel


http://www.unison.ie/irish_i....d=10848

[alpha foxtrot 07]

gear pivot failure, it is pritty common on cessna retracts.