Landing Gear Left Down After Takeoff : Aviation Professionals Highlight Lapse in Protocol as Aircraft Flies with Gear Extended
Landing Gear Left Down After Takeoff : In a recent incident that has sparked serious discussion among aviation experts and regulatory authorities, an aircraft was observed flying with its landing gear still extended well after takeoff. The situation, which could have led to major operational and safety issues, is now under scrutiny, with experts pointing to it as a grave negligence of standard flight protocol.
The incident reportedly occurred shortly after the plane took off from a domestic airport in India. Eyewitnesses and spotters on the ground noticed that the landing gear remained down even after the aircraft had ascended significantly. While the flight landed safely without any reported injuries or technical malfunctions, the failure to retract the landing gear has raised multiple questions.
According to standard aviation procedures, the landing gear is supposed to be retracted shortly after takeoff, once the aircraft reaches a safe altitude and the climb is stabilized. Keeping the gear down longer than necessary not only affects the aerodynamics and fuel efficiency of the aircraft but can also pose risks if the gear malfunctions mid-air or during landing.
Aviation expert and retired commercial pilot Capt. Ramesh Joshi commented on the issue, saying, “This is not a minor procedural slip. Keeping the landing gear down unnecessarily can result in increased drag, higher fuel consumption, and mechanical strain. It also suggests that key safety checklists may not have been properly followed.”
Preliminary information suggests that the cockpit crew may have either overlooked the gear retraction checklist or delayed it due to a potential technical fault. However, until an official investigation report is released, it is too early to determine whether it was a mechanical glitch, pilot error, or miscommunication in the cockpit.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken note of the incident and is expected to conduct a thorough review. A senior DGCA official stated, “We have sought a detailed report from the airline, including the cockpit voice recording and flight data logs. If negligence is proven, strict action will be taken as per protocol.”
Experts further explain that modern aircraft are equipped with warning systems that alert pilots if the landing gear isn’t retracted within a certain period. Therefore, it’s unlikely that such a situation would go completely unnoticed unless there was a fault in the warning system or it was deliberately bypassed.
Social media has also reacted strongly, with passengers and aviation enthusiasts expressing concern over the laxity in such a high-stakes environment. Several users shared videos and images of the plane with its gear extended, prompting further attention and calls for transparency.
Airlines have a responsibility to conduct multiple checks before, during, and after flight operations to ensure complete safety. From fuel levels and navigation to crew readiness and mechanical status, every aspect must align with international safety standards. Lapses—even small ones—can be indicators of larger systemic issues.
For now, the aircraft in question has been grounded for inspection, and the airline has pledged full cooperation with the authorities. Passengers on board were reportedly unaware of the situation and were informed only after landing.
As investigations proceed, the aviation community is once again reminded of the importance of rigorous adherence to protocol. In the world of aviation, even a small oversight can potentially lead to major consequences.