There was an incident involving a plane landing at Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas on May 3, 2024. According to reports, a JSX charter plane experienced a landing gear collapse while landing Friday night. The incident occurred after the plane touched down at the airport. There were a total of 31 people on board the plane. At least one person was taken to a local hospital for injuries. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.
Landing gear failure upon touchdown is a significant hazard in aviation, particularly for charter planes where such an event can lead to severe consequences. One common cause of landing gear failure is a mechanical defect, which can arise from wear and tear, inadequate maintenance, or a manufacturing flaw. Components such as hydraulic systems, actuators, or retractable mechanisms can fail, preventing the gear from deploying correctly or at all. Regular, thorough inspections and maintenance are critical to detect and address these issues before they result in a failure during landing.
Another potential cause of landing gear failure involves the operation of the aircraft. For instance, a hard landing can exceed the structural limits of the landing gear, leading to its failure. Pilot error, such as incorrect approach speed or failure to properly align the aircraft with the runway, can result in undue stress on the landing gear. Additionally, environmental factors like strong crosswinds or a slippery runway can complicate the touchdown process, increasing the likelihood of a hard landing or other mishap that could compromise the landing gear’s integrity.
When landing gear fails upon touchdown, the aircraft may experience a runway excursion or a collapse that brings the fuselage in direct contact with the runway. Such incidents can lead to a range of injuries among passengers and crew. Common injuries include whiplash and other soft tissue injuries due to sudden jolts and bumps as the aircraft scrapes along the runway. More severe impacts can result in fractures, head injuries, and in extreme cases, fatalities, especially if an emergency evacuation becomes necessary in a chaotic and potentially panic-stricken environment.
The psychological impact of experiencing such a traumatic landing can also not be underestimated. Passengers and crew may suffer from acute stress reactions or even long-term post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For those physically injured, the path to recovery may involve not only physical rehabilitation but also psychological support to overcome the trauma associated with the accident. Aviation authorities and airline operators must ensure robust safety protocols and emergency response strategies are in place to minimize injuries and provide immediate medical and psychological assistance in the aftermath of a landing gear failure.
There have been a number of recent plane crashes in 2024. A Lancair Legacy FG crashed at the Spicewood Airport in Spicewood, Texas on April 22, 2024. A Douglas C-54 Skymaster crashed shortly after takeoff in Fairbanks, Alaska on April 23, 2024. A Socata TBM-850 crashed in Raleigh, North Carolina on April 24, 2024. A Bellanca Super Viking crashed in El Cajon, California on April 28, 2024. A F-16 military jet crashed near Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico on April 30, 2024. A Beechcraft 36 plane crashed in Augusta, Georgia on April 30, 2024.
Spagnoletti Law Firm has attorneys licensed in Texas, Florida, New Mexico and New York. We have handled numerous cases involving the failure of necessary equipment on a plane or helicopter in both federal and state court across the country. When it comes to aviation, safety must come first. Our attorneys have extensive experience in plane and helicopter crash litigation and the skills needed to aggressively represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or those who have been seriously injured in a plane or helicopter crash. The experienced aviation attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of a crash. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.