LOT Polish Airlines Flight 16 facts for kids
LOT Polish Airlines Flight 16 was a regular flight from Newark, USA, to Warsaw, Poland. On November 1, 2011, this Boeing 767 airplane had to make a special landing without its landing gear. This is called a "belly landing." Amazingly, all 231 people on board – passengers and crew – were safe! This event showed how skilled the pilots and crew were, and how well emergency teams can work together.
Contents
What Happened During Flight 16?
The Flight Begins
LOT Polish Airlines Flight 16 took off from Newark, New Jersey, heading for Warsaw, Poland. It was a normal flight at first. The plane was a Boeing 767, a large aircraft used for long trips.
Unexpected Problems
As the plane flew over Europe, the pilots noticed a problem. The landing gear, which are the wheels that come out for landing, would not extend. This was a very serious issue. The pilots tried many times to get the landing gear to work, but it stayed stuck.
Preparing for a Special Landing
The pilots, led by Captain Tadeusz Wrona, knew they had to land the plane without the wheels. This is called a "belly landing" or "gear-up landing." It means the plane lands directly on its underside. This kind of landing is very risky, but sometimes it's the only option.
The crew told the passengers about the problem. They explained how to prepare for an emergency landing. Everyone stayed calm and followed the crew's instructions. On the ground, emergency services at Warsaw Chopin Airport got ready. Fire trucks, ambulances, and rescue teams were all waiting.
The Belly Landing
Captain Wrona flew the plane very carefully. He made sure to land smoothly on the runway. The plane slid along the ground on its belly, creating sparks and smoke. It was a tense moment for everyone watching.
But the landing was successful! The plane stopped safely on the runway. All 231 people on board were able to leave the aircraft using emergency slides. No one was seriously hurt. This was a truly amazing outcome for such a dangerous situation.
Why Did the Landing Gear Fail?
Investigation into the Cause
After the landing, experts began to investigate. They wanted to find out why the landing gear didn't work. They looked at the plane's systems and the flight recorders.
Broken Circuit Breaker
The investigation found that a circuit breaker was open. This circuit breaker controlled the power to the landing gear system. When it was open, the system couldn't get electricity to work. The pilots had tried to use a backup system, but it also needed power from this same circuit.
Pilot Actions and Training
The pilots were praised for their excellent skills. They handled a very difficult situation with great professionalism. Their training helped them stay calm and make the right decisions. The successful landing showed how important pilot training and quick thinking are in emergencies.
After the Landing
Airport Closure
Warsaw Chopin Airport had to close for a while after the landing. The plane was on the runway, and it needed to be moved. Flights were delayed or sent to other airports.
Hero Pilots and Crew
Captain Wrona and his crew became heroes. They saved the lives of everyone on board. Their actions were a great example of safety and teamwork in aviation. The event is now studied as an example of a successful emergency landing.
Images for kids
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Captain Tadeusz Wrona in 2012
See also
In Spanish: Vuelo 16 de LOT Polish Airlines para niños
