How Did American Airlines A319 Pilots Manually Fix Landing Gear for Safe San Francisco Landing?
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
American Airlines flight AA1866, an Airbus A319, diverted to San Francisco (SFO) due to a landing gear malfunction; pilots successfully extended the gear manually for a safe landing.
Key Takeaways
- •American Airlines flight AA1866, an Airbus A319, diverted to San Francisco (SFO) on January 15, 2026, after a landing gear malfunction.
- •Pilots successfully used the alternate manual gear extension system, ensuring a safe landing despite a reported hydraulic issue.
- •The aircraft stopped on the runway due to a loss of nose wheel steering and was towed; the incident is under FAA investigation.
An American Airlines flight was forced to divert following a critical landing gear malfunction incident during its approach. American Airlines (AA) flight AA1866 was operating a routine domestic route. The flight was traveling from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Its original destination was Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) in California.
The Diversion and PAN-PAN Declaration
The incident occurred on January 15, 2026, as the Airbus A319 neared Monterey. The flight crew initiated a go-around due to a technical issue. They soon reported difficulty extending the landing gear. Reports indicate a possible hydraulic system failure was the root cause.
After standard troubleshooting failed, the crew declared a PAN-PAN. This signal indicates an urgent but non-life-threatening situation. The pilots then requested a diversion to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). SFO offers longer runways and better emergency support services.
Successful Manual Gear Extension
En route to the new destination, the flight crew executed an emergency landing procedure. They successfully deployed the gear using the manual gear extension system. This alternate system bypasses the primary hydraulics. Cockpit indicators confirmed all three gear assemblies were down and locked. This crucial step ensured a safe landing for the American Airlines A319 diversion.
Landing and Investigation
The AA1866 San Francisco landing was executed safely on Runway 28R. However, the aircraft lacked nose wheel steering capability upon touchdown. This loss is consistent with a hydraulic issue. The aircraft was brought to a complete stop on the runway. It required towing by ground personnel to the gate.
No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is now conducting an aviation safety investigation. The focus is on the specific cause of the landing gear failure.
Industry Impact and Safety Context
This event highlights the importance of robust safety protocols. Modern aircraft like the Airbus A319 have multiple backup systems. The pilots successfully extended gear through specialized training. This training is critical for handling non-normal operations. The quick decision to divert to SFO also minimized risk. It allowed for a safer, more controlled landing environment. For American Airlines, the safe outcome underscores crew expertise. It also demonstrates the reliability of the Airbus A319 technical issue checklists. The investigation will determine if maintenance or a component failure caused the incident. This data will inform future safety bulletins across the industry.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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