The crew of a Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787 failed to lower the plane’s undercarriage and were forced to make a missed approach in Melbourne today (September 19.) just 1000ft above the ground.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has launched an investigation into “an incorrect configuration incident involving a Boeing 787, registered VN-A870, flight VN781, operated by Vietnam Airlines near Melbourne Airport, Victoria.”
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The ATSB said that “during the approach to land, Melbourne Air Traffic Control advised the crew that the aircraft’s landing gear was observed not to be extended. The crew initiated a missed approach.”
The 787 was only 1500ft (500m) above sea level (ASL) when its crew initiated the go-around according to Flightradar24 data. Melbourne airport is 424ft ASL.
It said that as part of the investigation, it will “obtain information from the flight crew, and additional information as required.”
A report will be released at the end of the investigation.
However, should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify those affected and seek safety action to address the issue.
The aircraft was a 787-9 and it was operating a flight from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to Melbourne.
