On 18 September, a Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (VN-A870) operated flight VN781 between Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Melbourne, Australia. The flight uneventfully crossed Australia. During approach to land, Melbourne Air Traffic Control advised the crew that the aircraft’s landing gear was observed not to be extended. The crew initiated a missed approach at +- 650 feet.
The Australian Transport Safety Board (ATSB) is currently investigating the incorrect configuration incident involving the Boeing 787: “As part of the investigation, the ATSB will obtain information from the flight crew, and additional information as required.
A report will be released at the end of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify those affected and seek safety action to address the issue.”
Good catch by ATC. In Canada, until the ATC system was privatized in 1996, the standard landing clearance included, “check gear down”. After privatization we were forbidden to include those words: liability issues.