EMERGENCY GEAR-UP LANDING | FedEx B757 at Chattanooga

04/OCT/2023
Fedex Boeing B757 performing flight from Chattanooga to Memphis was on the initial climb when the pilots reported some hydraulic problems and would need to return and perform a gear up landing.
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Audio source: www.liveatc.net/

[@VASAviation]

That was a great ATC and piloting skills. Nicely done everyone!

[@angelinasouren]

I actually said "wow" out loud.

[@commerce-usa]

Given the circumstances, textbook situation.

[@bobteter4300]

Nice that ATC kept them on one frequency rather than having to switch between departure and tower.

[@3SOULENT]

This could be an example used to train future pilots . Great stuff on both ends

[@TheEDFLegacy]

Question: Why didn't they shut down the airport as soon as the plane was coming in for their final approach, or even earlier? I know that not all emergencies require a shutdown of the airport, but this one is rather obvious that repairs will need to be done before that runway can be used again - not to mention the general emergency that guaranteed the chance of hull damage.

[@catherinekilgour2563]

I love how the ATC contacted the company directly to get information about the cargo on board rather than loading more work onto the crew.

[@jayarbore]

Crew doesn’t know anyway excerpt for hazardous cargo. It’s really good they didn’t bug the crew with more questions. Awesome job for all!

[@smudent2010]

​​@@jayarboredude, of course they know. No pilot in the world will fly a plane without knowing the manifest. It's our lives on the line and we definitely check what's on board with us

[@andrewstorm8240]

@@smudent2010agree but that info should be able to be sent to ATC via some central resource

[@jayarbore3909]

@@smudent2010yeah, you win bro. What would I know anyway?

[@Willbrse]

@@smudent2010 "hey can you transport this package for me? I'll pay you" "what is inside...?" "oh don't bother, you don't need to worry about these details, trust me" That's how some people go to jail😀

[@sniygley]

Incredible work by the pilots and ATC involved. Couldn't really imagine a better belly landing than that.

[@AutoRauto]

The belly landing was bad as they overrun the runway

[@uzlonewolf]

@@AutoRauto When you have neither brakes nor thrust reversers, an overrun is basically guaranteed. A slight overrun into the grass at the end is a really good outcome.

[@liamoneil973]

@@AutoRauto lmao and i bet you can land a 777 on a flys dick while blindfolded huh? seriously dude skidding onto the grass was probably the best outcome.

[@theHDRflightdeck]

ATC masterclass. This ATC really knows who they are working for.

[@bryceleinan]

Not only did CHA approach handle the clearance (less switching of frequencies), they also coordinated with FedEx in Memphis to coordinate the cargo. Nice job by all!

[@fcguy7]

They didn't coordinate the cargo in the sense of it's handling, they coordinated with the "FedEx desk" regarding hazmat cargo. In cargo emergencies they always ask if hazmat is on board since it's actually allowed on non-passenger flights. In this case they asked FedEx, rather than the flight crew. This helps reduce the cockpit workload during the emergency.

[@North_West1]

That was a nice smooth landing without gear. Great outcome. No spin, no fire.

[@papa_xan]

If there is a text-book no gear landing, I think this is it.

[@shadinz]

Just hearing the pilot calling a ''No gear landing'' got my blood cold. I would have literally shat my pants if I was in that plane. The sound it must make when you land straight on to the belly of the plane must be terrible. It's an amazing feat that they were able to land this with no injuries.

[@BS-eh1zf]

Really nice to hear the ATC slowing down and speaking very clear with the instructions in this situation.

[@jimk5145]

The ATC instructions were so clear, even I could understand them. That's quite rare.

[@jimratliff2753]

Very calm and cool and clear communicators on the ATC side. A very dialed in flight crew as well. Seems amazing they could keep that bad boy straight down the center of the runway as it was hauling ass pretty good. Great presentation VAS.

[@andrewdrone]

The 757 really is a marvel of engineering, even to this day. It's pretty awesome that this is possible with such a large jet, major kudos to the pilots for pulling it off under that level of stress 👍

[@Another_user_43]

It’s been done before on a 767, with passengers on board. All survived and the plane came to a stop intact

[@wafu6058]

With cargo too

[@N221BP]

It would be an even better marvel of engineering if the alternate gear extension had just worked like intended.

[@arkiefyler]

Amazing job by the crew! As they slowed below flying speed on the runway, they had absolutely no directional control, no rudder, no brakes, no differential reverse, no nose wheel steering; they were basically just along for the ride. Obviously started on the centerline and maintained it all the way to departing the aircraft. Thankfully, they had a nice, flat, firm enough and clear over run! Super job! Hope they had lots of speed tape at CHA!!! 🤪

[@englishmuffinpizzas]

ATC handled this beautifully. Not making the pilots switch frequencies, no unnecessary communication, very clear instructions, calm response to all the pilots requests. Contacted the company for info on cargo. This is who you want on duty in an emergency

[@sprinklesrevenge9642]

Love flying into CHA. Controllers are always very professional and clear. Great job to all parties involved!

[@777jones]

Looks like very good work by the pilots and ATC. The aircraft did its job too. RIP, good 757.

[@NicolaW72]

Probably it was indeed its last flight, yes - it´s a 35 years old aircraft. She had a good, long life.

[@AutoRauto]

Very good work? They overrun the runway💀

[@douglasphillips1203]

@@AutoRautoit's rather difficult to brake effectively when performing a gear up landing ...

[@anitaroberts8729]

So glad the pilots were safe! I hope the poor old 757 will be repaired. Nice plane! 🛩 💙 🛩

[@frankb.1284]

Kennedy Steve’s favourite

[@EstorilEm]

There are so many surplus 757s coming offline across the globe right now. It may just be cheaper to find a lower-hour airframe and do the freighter conversion. Engines aren’t a huge issue, but the fuselage repairs and airframe inspections definitely are.

[@YesIAmSmarterThanYouPleaseCope]

It's old, it's going in the trash.

[@redbaronahp]

FedEx has 757’s in long term storage in Victorville. They wouldn’t need to do a conversion. They can just pull one out of the desert.

[@reyray7184]

I doubt it.

[@AaronShenghao]

Rip 757 you served us well

[@JPINFV]

ATC: Are you having an emergency? Plane: Nah bro, just a little issues controlling the aircraft, that's all... ATC: Dude, do you even know what an emergency is? Radar: Look at me... I'm the emergency now.

[@7nich]

It's so annoying when pilots are so hesitant to declare an emergency.

[@tomsawyer8102]

Why? Do you even fly? Do you know what a check list is? Do you understand what an emergency is?

[@JPINFV]

@@tomsawyer8102 Are you suggesting that loss of hydraulics leading to decreased ability to control the aircraft shouldn't have been classified as an emergency? Are you suggesting that just because a problem is cleared by the checklist that an emergency, by default, isn't present? I'm really confused at your point. Are you suggesting that an emergency wasn't present?

[@agsystems8220]

@@tomsawyer8102 An emergency is an unplanned event (that emerges) that requires prioritisation and special action, and this definitely qualifies. They are usually also serious, but don't have to be (was in this case). They should not have been asking for special vectoring without it being an emergency. Controllers were obviously on it anyway, and rolled the fire trucks, so they were definitely calling it an emergency. It is not like that German 747 that lost an engine, where the aircraft was still flyable within margins and didn't need anything more than a diversion.

[@amg2022]

For sure. I’m glad it all went well but this bootlicking by everyone is just congratulating mistakes. They should have declared an emergency about 30 seconds in, but I expect it was bad corporate behavior that taught them this. Or being afraid of a test. It’s greasy.

[@radamus210]

Man, that appeared to be a beauty of a slide, minimal damage. If you're ever going to grease one, that was the time to do it.

[@LJ-gn2un]

Sad to see the old venerable 57 sitting in the dirt. But glad the crew got off safely - fine job! 👏

[@JamesBrown-hs6vg]

That’s one less 757.. great airframe

[@cejay67]

Can you imagine knowing that even with that planning and advanced notice, things can still go horribly wrong and remaining that calm. Props to everyone involved

[@scottlemire8522]

That belly landing??? BUTTER.... They couldn't have done it any better... Kudos to the pilots and ATC!

[@swatt862]

Listening to these people pull off a gut wrenching miracle with such a calm demeanor is the polar opposite of almost all social media content. And, color me pessimistic, the players involved won't get wealthy or even gather attention. But hey, Mr Pilot and Mr ATC, you got mine. Well effing done.

[@r.b.4009]

Looked like a very smooth landing! All in all very calm and focused crew 🫶

[@CMDR_Nef]

I saw the video of this landing last night. It sent shivers up my spine. It was so reminiscent of LOT flight 16. The skill of these pilots, the focus, it's amazing to see. Thank you so much as always Vasa for your work, I've been waiting eagerly for this one!

[@wb6anp]

It will be interesting to find out why the gear wouldn't come down even during the emergency extension.

[@brynrichmond8829]

Hopefully it doesn't turn out to be like that LOT 767 belly landing where the crew didn't notice a circuit breaker being in the wrong position which prevented the emergency gear drop from working.

[@RWBHere]

Old aircraft. Relegated to freight duties. It's a shame to see another one end its life like this. But at least all aboard exited safely, thanks to good skills all around and excellent aircraft design.

[@r4raced4doom2]

My bet is something electrical. It's pretty much impossible for a mechanical failure to fail all 3 gear.

[@aeroman5239]

@@r4raced4doom2 Agreed. On the 57, the Alt Ext Sys has a dedicated power pack, hydraulic supply, and actuators slaved to the door & gear uplocks. If you lose the Left Hydraulic System due to a fluid leak, that same leak will not impact your ability to extend the LG with the Alt Ext Sys.

[@joshuahudson2170]

I'm slightly bothered by not pulling some gees to lock the gear down.

[@rilmar2137]

Everyone here was simply amazing. The pilots showed some superb airmanship there and in comms were very clear about what was going on and what they needed - and the ATC went above and beyond to help them out. Love to see it

[@trainsimulatordriver]

The calm in the pilots voice when he basically said we're going to crash our plane and get out. Well he did. Nice one.

[@craig7350]

Those controllers were top notch. About as good as it gets.

[@miguelconceicao4766]

This must be the best Pilot, ATC, Ground emergency talk ever.

[@RomNYC]

The pinnacle of cool and professionalism! Such great job from everyone. I just feel bad for that good looking pencil 😉

[@SidDrapic]

I don't know anything about the airport in question, but I like that there's no ATC transfer. The pilots stay with the same controller so they don't have to keep re-briefing and changing frequencies for each pass. Instead, the controller they have relays clearances from tower. I imagine that helped a lot to take some burden off the pilots, enabling them to focus more on the problem at hand than having to switch back and forth between controllers.

[@brianallyn5308]

Chattanooga is a smaller airport to say the least. Not a whole lot of commercial traffic, especially at night.

[@user-cw9hb3ck4u]

Despite the bizarre hesitancy to declare an emergency, which I’ve discussed elsewhere, all things, considering this was a perfectly executed emergency landing, and to stay on the runway with engines intact, shows the pilots in charge had a great deal of skill, nerve and precision. Have to also say that the ATC were outstanding. They had things under control that the pilots didn’t even know about until later on. It’s such a shame that plane is most likely damaged beyond repair. It’s obviously fantastic that it did what it was supposed to do, which was to protect its passengers, I just can’t help feeling sad that it would be the end of the line for such an amazing machine. I also couldn’t help, but wonder if that final little loop they asked, for was simply to complete the checklist, to give them a little time to pluck up the courage, to whip the phones out, and send messages to their loved ones, just in case - or indeed, all three! At that height of signal would be possible, but I couldn’t help, but feel they just wanted that a few minutes to be able to send a message or two.

[@NC-jy3wg]

I wondered about the same thing.

[@mickb474]

Great respect to the pilots and controllers!

[@kjelliWWW]

I was waiting for this after seeing it in the news

[@44R0Ndin]

There's gonna be a lot of investigation about this incident, I'm just glad nobody got seriously hurt. Hydraulic problems on a jet of this size are no joke! It's not like the 737 where you still have actual cables linking the flight controls to the control surfaces.

[@-DC-]

You think its just going to be a normal day and you got that to cope with 🤣, Good job all round.

[@CommomsenseSmith]

Awesome landing text book belly landing in my opinion.

[@andrewdrone]

Absolute rockstar execution for sure

[@TheBanished_Gaming]

Wow I’m seriously impressed by the level of professionalism from both the ATC and FedEx pilots. This should be in the training manual for how you handle an aircraft emergency situation. Great job to everyone!

[@danc3488]

That's about as good as it gets right there. I'd say as good as the Hudson River landing except this one had engine power. Well done by those pilots and ATC crew.

[@JeremyEllwood]

Ok: 1st, fun comment (because everyone turned out ok): That was the weirdest rendition of the snake game I ever saw. 2nd: Serious note: That, my friends, is what incredible communication looks like. Excellent job to all involved.

[@LouT1501]

Great work by the flight crew and controllers. Would have enjoyed seeing how the 757 was moved from where it stopped.

[@Xoron]

This happened yesterday. It's probably still sitting there.

[@AbdulMannan-yq7xy]

calmness of crew and active thinking of ATC, perfect example for training of pilots

[@IamFleisch]

Incredible and professional work by the pilots and ATC, all parties involved made the best out of a scary situation

[@benoithudson7235]

"Current wind as calm as my voice."

[@user-nn1hs4hj7k]

Happy to hear my fellow FedEx peeps are ok. Well done

[@user-mp9rd4hg8b]

I am kind of surprised they couldn't get the doors/gear open/extended either manually or with gravity. I know there are at least a couple of backup systems for this. Wonder what happened.

[@qwe4dsffe745]

could it be because of the low fuel situation? they said they had 1,5 hours of fuel left, not enough to safely run all the checklists?

[@PlasticAstronaut]

@@qwe4dsffe745 I don't think they were low on fuel - 90 minutes' worth should be plenty for a Chattanooga to Memphis flight, no? I think the female tower controller mentioned they had only recently taken off from the same airport and had to double back fairly quickly.

[@user-mp9rd4hg8b]

@@qwe4dsffe745 They just took off and "were on the initial climb" when they had the problem. I can't imagine not having enough fuel to troubleshoot and run checklists for a hydraulic failure right after taking off.

[@Pilotwisco]

I would guess flying around low and all those those approaches with the flaps down burned a lot of their gas. Better to get it on the ground under control. They did great.

[@qwe4dsffe745]

@@user-mp9rd4hg8b kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWare4iYobplrtksi=kW5ueBBso0dXEuNY&t=390

[@TonyXLXL]

Interesting how the controller designated EM even though pilot hadn't declared yet.

[@ryanwalker7018]

​@@JohnSmith-zi9orit came up on the radar track EM beside the plane. It was right before the audio where pilot declared emergency. So either ATC did it early or the sync of radar track and audio was out.

[@BeakerSteve]

Even if he did, it's completely legal for the controller to declare an emergency for the pilot. But I'm not sure if it's just the video or the controllers decision.

[@aussiebloke609]

@@ryanwalker7018 I notice it was immediately after the aircrew mentioned a control issue at 2:14 - which makes sense.

[@ryanwalker7018]

@@JohnSmith-zi9or I wasn't in the tower so I don't know what happened. It was either before pilot declared or sync in the video is off. Never said video was 100% accurate. Never said ATC definitely triggered emergency status prior. You asked how OP knew. Video shows it was triggered prior to the pilot asking. So there are 2 scenarios based off the info we have infront of us. For legal reasons this is a joke

[@blancolirio]

Good job Victor! Thanks for posting! What are the odds of alternate gear extension not working on the 757....

[@bryceleinan]

I was waiting for your analysis, @blancolirio… had to be a catastrophic failure.

[@xVoLxPaYnE]

Well done to everyone involved!

[@NicolaW72]

Thank you very much! Very professional handled by all participants - Pilots, ATC and ARFF.👍

[@garycosby8979]

Thank You... awesome work everyone

[@reyray7184]

I've watched that twice now, epic tape. Roll the trucks boys we're coming in hot!

[@jasonlyon4968]

very impressive landing, well done to all involved

[@wayneroyal3137]

Awesome work by all involved. Excellent job and outcome

[@PrayingToTheAlien]

Perfect communication from ATC, Pilots, and Emergency dispatch. Very well executed.

[@user-jl7fx4lb4j]

Awesome work by all involved; good to see ATC transferred his other tfc to another frequency to reduce radio tx's and handle only the priority a/c. TR (YVR Tower)

[@wincav]

Wow! Professional by ALL involved. Well done folks. 👏👏👏

[@nickyboi7964]

That's amazing landing

[@thesavagesoutherner]

That's a hell of a job done by everyone. Glad they got out safe.

[@gracelandone]

Well documented and well executed. A pretty solid system is required on all fronts to pull this off with no casualties.

[@ShawnGray1]

Wow what rockstar pilots and contoller. It's how it's done ya'll. kudos to everyone there!

[@hirisk761]

"holding in the sky" lol I certainly hope so!!!

[@rubenvillanueva8635]

@hirisk..That is what we call "diarrhoea of the mouth ", adding superfluous narrative.

[@jeffyzefrench]

Full respect to the pilots for landing safely and for everyone involved to remain so calm in this situation. I certainly wouldn't be able to do any of those jobs

[@ivanstrydom8417]

Superb work by the air and ground grew. Well done.

[@ImJustFunSize]

Nicely done!!!

[@bjet767]

I flew the 757/767 for thousands of hours and there is supposed to be an electrical unlock of the landing gear for free fall should he hydraulics fail. The last time this happened was a LOT 767. After the wheels up landing they found the CB for the emergency electric gear extension had failed. After lifting the airplane up and restoring electrical power to the system the gear extended as designed. Since this is well known, I suspect the crew followed the appropriate check lists verified the CB was correct. However, it possibly was a failure of the emergency gear extension system. A wheels up landing on pavement is the best course of action. Landing on grass would have been catastrophic. Good job pilots and controllers!

[@oliver9089]

Wow, great work on the pilots for staying cool! Looks like a pretty smooth landing for no-wheels.

[@groundpounder0541]

Job well done 👏👏👏

[@Jmg831]

No wonder my packages are late 😢 but I’m glad everyone is ok 😊😊

[@markcardwell]

Thanks!

[@classicalricky]

That was amazing

[@gzk6nk]

Nicely done! 75s are getting on a bit now and it would be a pity if this is this one's last flight. Let's hope it gets repaired and back into service. They are great aeroplanes.

[@dianeschroeder3980]

Very professional by all❤️✈️

[@peter2346]

Thumbs up to everybody involved!

[@six_twentythree]

Why was the crew so reluctant to actually declare an emergency? Just curious why you wouldn’t. Great job to the crew for getting the airplane to a rest safely.

[@PlanesTrainsAutos]

Fat paperwork

[@jennymulholland4319]

"It's a flight control issue. We don't need any further assistance at this time." is such a weird combination of sentences. We're having trouble controlling our plane... everything's fine here!

[@petrovichbauer5105]

Let me see if I can understand this. The gear won’t extend and they belly landed. If this was carrying passengers, it would be news for weeks, and countless of lawsuits. This is why working at FedEx is NUMBER ONE PLACE TO GET A JOB FOR MILITARY PILOTS. PAY, BENEFITS,RETIREMENT AND QUALITY OF LIFE.

[@gglasser8375]

Well done! This was great to listen to and watch. It's refreshing to see such professionalism on both sides rewarded with no injuries, and a landing so smooth, you'd be forgiven thinking the engine cowling was designed by Goodyear.

[@stevenverhaegen8729]

Bend an ear and listen to their version of a solid Tennessee excursion... Choo-choo 🎶 Good to see safe ending😎

[@dogfoodking]

Professional all around! Love to hear the CVR. Can't tell me no one said "oh shit"...lol

[@EddieLeeFunn]

Cool cats in the air and on the ground!

[@Noledad77]

That's great work from start to finish. Great communication, no hesitation on the part of the tower or the pilots. I'm sure that mountain of paperwork was the worst part about it.

[@crypto1701]

Nice landing! It seems like so many of these end up with the plane breaking up.. it looks like that plane may actually fly again!

[@mikeypops73]

!hell yeah

[@frankedwards2027]

GREAT CAPTION

[@AndrewFremantle]

@2:15 - Nah, it's just a flight control issue. Don't need any further assistance. *controller marks aircraft as an emergency aircraft anyways*

[@BeakerSteve]

Absolutely nothing wrong with that if that's the case.

[@Rblazer]

Hell of a job, well done fellas. Hopefully they didn’t make you do a Memphis turn right after this 😂

[@francoisj5984]

The 3 pilots and a Wilson Volleyball landed uninjured

[@abcdfgh4321]

The FAA really needs to crack down on airlines not declaring emergencies when appropriate. A problem with flight controls should be an automatic mayday

[@6z0]

Lol what. If the Captain doesn’t feel like a mayday is needed, he doesn’t need to call one. The FAA can’t do shit, they aren’t in the plane with them.

[@Bingusology]

The way I was watching the landing video of this on twitter and thought maybe Vasaviation has the video up by now 😂

[@rogwarrior1018]

What an awesome job by everyone. No one panicked, no one yelled or became excited. Couldn't have asked for better cooperation and better weather for the belly flop.

[@edsonherald3720]

Very Good CRM From Pilots, Controllers and Fire Department ! Should Be Used As an Example For Airliners CRM’s Courses !

[@Teakae]

Would it have made sense to declare Pan Pan before their first attempt? Since there was an issue that was affecting flight controls?

[@NickyNiclas]

When I heard "Alert 3" I got the chills.

[@MrHkballer1]

I can't wait for a Mentour Pilot breakdown!!

[@6z0]

Won’t happen for awhile because he only makes videos on incidents with final reports. Final report wont be out for this for at least a couple years prob more

[@davidappelgate320]

The only question I would have is why they would have sent them back to Chattanooga, especially after a gear-down landing was decided, instead of diverting to Huntsville, Nashville, Knoxville, or Atlanta, as all those airports have multiple separate runways whereas Chattanooga has only a second short runway that intersects with 20. I would imagine that this airport is going to be completely closed for a while now.

[@pancholip]

Because when you have hydraulic failures and loss of aircraft control you need to return to the airport immediately. you don't have the luxury of picking another airport. They could've developed additional failures over time as the issues progressed. Airport officials can repair the runway and move the aircraft. Imagine if that plane crashed while trying to divert to another airport

[@bryceleinan]

United 232 is why you don’t mess around with hydraulic failures.

[@davidappelgate320]

@@pancholip Oh, okay. Didn't realize the problem was more than just the landing gear.

[@fatherpuck]

Amazing job by all involved. Glad the pilots are safe, but a real shame that bird will probably never fly again

[@jetalse7974]

Everyone was so calm, ho hum, just another day at the office.

[@thecw301]

Who doesn't enjoy a lightshow of sparks?

[@rubenvillanueva8635]

Even better when it is a fighter jet engaging an arresting cable on the runway. Lots if sparks then they get snuffed out as the jet plows into the foam.

[@dub2967]

For what it’s worth that plane is pretty intact. Fantastic job fellas

[@milankowww]

Still can't imagine it being reused except for parts. I may be wrong but I think no engineer would risk declaring that fuselage flyworthy after any number of repairs and inspections

[@dub2967]

@@milankowwwoh no i meant its intact as in not as morbid as it could have gone and they all evacuated safely lol. The ol girl is totaled