A 1989-built Fokker 50 was operating a cargo flight between Wajir Airport (HKWJ) and Nairobi-Wilson Airport (HKNW) both in Kenya. Just after take-off, from runway 15 at Wajir, the aircraft flew through a flock of birds, which the crew attempted to avoid. However at least one struck the aircraft. The crew checked the aircraft systems and did not observe any abnormalities so continued their flight to Nairobi. The flight to Nairobi was uneventful. While on the approach to Nairobi-Wilson Airport (runway 07), as the aircraft was configured for landing, the crew received an unsafe indication for the left-hand main landing gear.
ATC was contacted indicating they were checking the undercarriage, and requesting an extended downwind. This was approved by ATC. Six minutes later the crew declared an emergency, stating that the left main landing gear was locked in the up position. They requested more time to troubleshoot and requested ATC to contact their company to inform them about their landing gear problem.
After some confusion, additional trouble shooting and consulting the company via ATC, it was decided to divert to Nairobi-Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (HKJK). The flight was cleared for the approach to runway 06 where a a short while later a successful gear-up landing was made. Damage to the aircraft was substantial, the crew did not sustain any injuries. It became apparent after the gear-up landing that a bird carcass had lodged between the Landing Gear Bay Doors, jamming the doors, and thus preventing the Main Landing Gear from being lowered. After being lifted up the nose and right-hand main landing gear were lowered normally, and the left-hand main landing gear was lowered with the aid of engineers.
An investigation into the accident was launched by the Air Accident Investigation Department (AAID). Over 3 1/2 years later they published an extensive report (which served as the source for this blog), which includes a list of 16 findings and eight safety recommendations. The AAID concluded that the probable cause of the accident was;
"The failure of the left Main Landing Gear (MLG) to extend during landing due to a bird strike which disabled proper functioning of the mechanical system that controls the opening and closing the door to the left MLG." The AAID final report, including, amongst others, (detailed)pictures and CVR Transcript, can be accessed by clicking on the .pdf file below;
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