Context:

A FedEx Boeing 757 cargo plane crash-landed in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 2023 due to a hydraulic hose failure and a broken wire, which prevented the landing gear from deploying. The crew declared an emergency and attempted multiple procedures to lower the landing gear unsuccessfully, leading to the aircraft skidding off the runway, though all three occupants were unharmed. Post-crash inspections revealed the hydraulic hose was fatigued, and the electrical wire essential for the backup system was broken. Additionally, there were issues with the emergency evacuation slides due to missing parts and misrouted straps. In response, FedEx and Boeing have initiated inspections and updates to manuals and parts catalogs to prevent future incidents, with the FAA urged to enforce compliance with proper configurations.

Dive Deeper:

• The crash occurred when a hydraulic hose failure and a broken wire rendered both the primary and backup landing gear systems inoperative, causing a FedEx plane to land gear-up and skid off the runway.

• The incident took place on October 4, 2023, shortly after Federal Express flight 1376 took off from Chattanooga, Tennessee, with plans to land in Memphis. An alarm indicated a hydraulic system failure as the landing gear was raised.

• Despite the crew's efforts to lower the landing gear using backup systems and non-standard troubleshooting methods, they were unable to resolve the malfunction before landing.

• Inspections revealed that the more than 35-year-old hydraulic hose had likely been damaged due to fatigue and overloading, while the electrical wire crucial for the backup system was also found broken.

• Issues with the emergency evacuation were noted due to missing and misrouted components in the slide latches, which were inconsistent with required modifications, leading to a Boeing notice and NTSB recommendations for inspections.

• Following the accident, FedEx implemented routine inspections of backup landing gear extension systems every 275 flight hours, and Boeing issued updates to operators of the 757 on inspecting and ensuring correct latch configurations.

• The NTSB praised the crew's professionalism during the incident and recommended that Boeing update its manuals and parts catalog to resolve inconsistencies that could mislead maintenance personnel.