Delta CRJ Safely Lands Despite Right Gear Not Dropping

[Royal]

Maybe when the CRJ grows up to be a Boeing, it'll drop the right one; it might be a late bloomer...To the flight crew.

The air traffic controller at JFK Airport was speaking to the pilot of Delta Flight 4951.

"I understand you have your right gear stuck down," the tower said.

"The right gear is stuck up," the pilot said. "The other two are down."

The pilot remained as calm as if he were Chesley Sullenberger's twin as the tower offered him a choice of runways.

"Whichever one would be better for you all," he said.

They decided on Runway 31 Right. The tower confirmed that there were 64 people aboard and inquired about the remaining fuel.

"We are making our approach," the pilot said.

"4951, it's been confirmed the gear is stuck up?" the tower asked.

"As far was we know the gear is stuck up," the pilot said.

The tower gave him some speed and altitude instructions.

"Tower, thanks for your help, 4951."

The tower notified the specially trained firefighters of the Port Authority Police Department.

"Attention all emergency equipment response, call Runway 31 Right."

The rescuers stood ready. Extra manpower was available because of the influx of dignitaries for the UN General Assembly.

"4951, you're cleared to land. Emergency equipment will be standing at midfield as a precautionary measure," the tower informed the pilot.

The pilot was as calm as ever. He spoke what might have been some of his very last words.

"4951 roger and, uh better work," the pilot said.

The tower radioed a reminder to the firefighters as they watched the lights of the plane descending out of the night.

"Rescue 1, there are 64 souls on board and 3,000 gallons of fuel."

The lights kept descending until the plane touched down.

Suddenly, the aircraft tipped to the right and a mass of sparks flared as the tip of the right wing scraped along the runway.

The fuel is in the wings and the rescuers were ready for the worst, but there was no explosion, no fireballs as the plane came to rest.

In the next instant, the 60 passengers and four crew members began to evacuate and the rescuers were there to assist them. All 64 were unhurt as they sat on the grass beside the runway where the pilot had decided to make the landing.

"It was better than the Hudson," the pilot said.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/09/26/2010-09-26_64_souls_and_3000_gallons_of_fuel_head_for_runway_31.html#ixzz10fj0R72Y

[matmacwc]

Prop's (sts) to the pilot, but they can fly this plane again.