Weak Links

Not a flight goes by when I don’t think about the potential for a landing-gear problem. It’s not that I’m a pessimist and think something is bound to happen—I don’t—but the moment you fly a complex aircraft, you’ve multiplied the number of things that can go wrong. I bristle when someone trots out the old “there are those who have and those who will” maxim about gear-up landings. It’s just not that simple.

Key Takeaways:

• A pilot encountered a landing gear malfunction caused by a sheared bolt, leading to an uncontrolled swerve upon landing that temporarily closed the airport.
• The pilot reflected on her own complacency and contributing factors, such as a rushed pre-flight due to a busy schedule and distractions during critical flight phases, which led to missing crucial checks.
• Ultimately, despite the mechanical failure and environmental wear on the aircraft, the pilot concluded that her own lack of undivided attention and thoroughness was "the weakest link," highlighting the importance of meticulous focus in aviation.

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