FedEx Express Flight FX1376 Gear-Up Landing Incident at Chattanooga-Lovell Field
On October 4, 2023, FedEx Express flight FX1376, a Boeing 757-236 (SF), N977FD, encountered a significant incident during its operation. The cargo flight, operating under 14 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Part 121, took off from Chattanooga-Lovell Field (CHA/KCHA) in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with its destination set for Memphis International Airport (MEM) in Memphis, Tennessee. However, the flight experienced a landing gear anomaly shortly after takeoff, leading to a gear-up landing.
October 4, 2023. Approximately 23:47 local time. Chattanooga-Lovell Field (CHA/KCHA), Chattanooga, Tennessee. Boeing 757-236 (SF), N977FD.
Three flight crew members were on board the aircraft.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among the crew.
Shortly after takeoff from runway 20 at CHA, the flight crew encountered a landing gear anomaly.
The flight crew reported a “minor issue” to Air Traffic Control (ATC) and requested to maintain runway heading up to approximately 5000 feet.
Following this, the crew expressed their intention to return to Chattanooga but needed time to run through checklists. When asked by ATC if they were declaring an emergency, the flight crew responded with “negative.”
Subsequently, the crew informed ATC that they needed time to “get the flaps down and everything” before initiating an approach. They later reported their readiness for the approach.
ATC instructed the crew to “turn right heading 230, descend and maintain 3000.” After the flight crew confirmed this command, ATC asked once more if they were declaring an emergency. The crew responded, “uhh flight control issue, no need for assistance this time.”
Moments later, the flight crew reported that they were discontinuing the approach due to an unsafe gear indication.
ATC approved the cancellation and vectored the aircraft to climb to 5000 feet on a heading of 230.
Shortly after that, the flight crew reported that they would need to stop on the runway because they had no steering available.
The incident involving FedEx Express flight FX1376 on October 4, 2023, highlights the importance of effective communication between flight crews and Air Traffic Control during critical situations. While the flight crew initially reported a “minor issue” and opted not to declare an emergency, the situation escalated due to landing gear problems, ultimately resulting in a gear-up landing. Fortunately, there were no injuries to the crew, underscoring the importance of well-trained and experienced personnel in handling emergency situations in aviation. The incident will likely undergo a thorough investigation to determine the root cause and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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