Investigation Summary
During the approach to Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport, the flight crew received a 'not down and locked' indication for the nose landing gear. After an unsuccessful attempt to troubleshoot the malfunction, the crew performed a low approach at Mehrabad International Airport, where ground observers confirmed the nose gear remained retracted. Captain Hushang Shahbazi elected to land at Mehrabad to ensure that a potential runway blockage would not disrupt international operations at Imam Khomeini. The aircraft was held in a nose-high attitude for as long as possible during the landing roll on runway 29L before the nose made contact with the pavement. The landing was captured on video by onlookers, showing the aircraft sliding to a halt with minimal visible fire or structural breakup.
Final Conclusions
The incident was attributed to a mechanical failure of the nose landing gear extension system. While the crew was initially grounded during the investigation, Captain Shahbazi was widely regarded as a hero for his handling of the emergency. The aircraft, a 37-year-old Boeing 727, sustained only minor damage, was subsequently repaired, and returned to service before being stored in 2013. The event highlighted the challenges faced by Iranian carriers in maintaining aging fleets under international sanctions that restricted access to spare parts.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Nose Landing Gear
The forward landing gear assembly which failed to extend or lock into the down position, necessitating a partial gear-up landing.
Landing Gear Indication System
The cockpit system that provided the crew with the 'not down and locked' warning, alerting them to the mechanical failure.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was a Boeing 727-200 manufactured in 1974.
- 02The aircraft's Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) was 20946/1052.
- 03There were 94 passengers and 19 crew members on board, totaling 113 people.
- 04The landing occurred on runway 29L at Mehrabad International Airport.
- 05The aircraft involved, EP-IRR, had previously suffered a loss of pressurization incident in 2009.
- 06Captain Hushang Shahbazi was forced into early retirement a year after the incident.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Crew Commendation and Scrutiny
The crew was initially banned from flying for two months during the investigation, a standard procedure that drew public criticism given the successful outcome.
Sanctions Advocacy
Source ↗Following the incident, Captain Shahbazi launched a campaign to highlight how international sanctions prevented the acquisition of spare parts, compromising civil aviation safety in Iran.
Known Controversies & Unanswered Questions
Retirement of Captain Shahbazi
Reference ↗Captain Shahbazi claimed he was forced into early retirement due to his public statements regarding the impact of U.S. sanctions on aviation safety and the lack of official recognition for the crew's actions.