Letter: Former Air Force mechanic disagrees with Safety Board

I disagree with this finding. In a hydraulic leak, the fluid would have coated the wheel well and underside of the fuselage, causing an immediate fire when the plane skidded on the ground. The flames would have ignited the hydraulic fluid burning up the aircraft.

The loss in a hydraulic leak would result in the improper operation of the rudder, elevator and ailerons. With loss of power control, the plane would have crashed.

In conclusion, the landing gear control valve failed to operate. This type of aircraft has no emergency gear down system.

WALTER BASIL Former hydraulic tech, USAF retired

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