Lufthansa Airlines Flight B787-9 Makes Emergency Landing to Denver Due to Landing Gear Problem, Frankfurt Flight Cancelled

​On September 25, 2024, Lufthansa Flight LH447, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner registered as D-ABPE, encountered a landing gear malfunction shortly after departing from Denver International Airport (DEN) en route to Frankfurt, Germany. This issue necessitated a precautionary return to Denver, leading to the cancellation of the transatlantic flight and affecting numerous passengers.​

Incident Overview

Flight LH447 was scheduled to depart Denver at 5:35 PM local time. However, during taxiing, the aircraft returned to the apron due to a passenger medical emergency. After addressing the medical situation and refueling, the flight departed at 7:13 PM. Shortly after takeoff from runway 08, the flight crew identified that the landing gear doors were not closing properly. In response, they halted the climb at 10,000 feet and entered a holding pattern north of the airport to assess the situation. To achieve a safe landing weight, the crew initiated a fuel dump before returning to land safely on runway 16R approximately 55 minutes after departure. ​

Passenger Experience

Passengers aboard LH447 experienced multiple disruptions. Initially, the flight was delayed due to the medical emergency. After the subsequent departure, the captain informed passengers about the landing gear issue, explaining the need to return to Denver. Despite these challenges, passengers reported that the crew maintained professionalism and kept them informed throughout the process. Following the safe landing, Lufthansa provided accommodations and rebooking options for affected travelers. ​

Aircraft Details

The aircraft involved, D-ABPE, is a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner delivered to Lufthansa in March 2023. This particular airframe was among those not taken up by Hainan Airlines and has accumulated over 6,000 flight hours and 800 flight cycles since entering service. Lufthansa’s 787-9s are configured to seat 292 passengers, featuring 26 business class seats, 21 in premium economy, and 247 in economy. ​

Technical Considerations

The Boeing 787-9’s landing gear system is designed to retract after takeoff, with doors closing to streamline the aircraft’s aerodynamics. In this incident, the failure of the landing gear doors to close properly posed potential risks, including increased drag and reduced fuel efficiency. Such malfunctions, while rare, require immediate attention to ensure flight safety. ​

Regulatory Context

In August 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed an airworthiness directive concerning the Boeing 787’s main landing gear. This directive followed reports that certain quality control inspections were not performed on the assembly line, increasing the risk of landing gear collapse due to undetected cracks. Boeing had initially issued a bulletin for a select number of aircraft in November 2023, which the FAA expanded to include all Dreamliner models. ​

Lufthansa’s Response

Following the incident, Lufthansa initiated an internal investigation to determine the cause of the landing gear malfunction. The airline emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and worked to rebook affected travelers on alternative flights. As of September 28, 2024, the aircraft remained grounded in Denver pending further inspection

Conclusion

The precautionary return of Lufthansa Flight LH447 to Denver due to a landing gear issue underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in aviation operations. While such technical malfunctions are rare, they highlight the importance of stringent maintenance protocols and regulatory oversight to ensure passenger safety. Lufthansa’s handling of the incident reflects its dedication to safety and customer service, ensuring that passengers were accommodated and informed throughout the disruption.​