Aug 11th 2025 : An Airbus A320 operated by Electra Airways on behalf of Arkia was involved in a landing gear–related incident while arriving in Tel Aviv from Rhodes, Greece.
The aircraft, registered LZ-EAJ and operating flight IZ-76 with 161 people on board, was on approach to Tel Aviv’s runway 21 when the flight crew initiated a go-around after receiving an unsafe landing gear indication, initially related to the nose gear.
Following the go-around, the aircraft conducted an overflight of the airport and then positioned for a low approach to runway 12 to allow air traffic controllers and ground personnel to visually inspect the landing gear. The aircraft then repositioned for a landing on runway 26. During touchdown, the crew kept the nose wheel off the runway for as long as practicable, lowering it gently before completing the rollout without further incident. Emergency services were standing by as a precaution.
According to a passenger account, the crew announced a landing gear malfunction after the first go-around. The aircraft subsequently flew over the sea while the crew attempted to recycle the landing gear multiple times. The cabin was prepared for a possible evacuation, though this ultimately proved unnecessary. After disembarkation, the passenger noted that all landing gear doors appeared to be open.
On January 7, 2026, Israel’s Air Accident Investigation Authority (AIAI) released details of its assessment. The authority stated that the crew initially received an indication that the left main landing gear had not extended. The approach was aborted, and the crew carried out the appropriate checklists. Indications later showed that all landing gear struts were extended; however, after approximately two minutes, the left main gear again indicated unsafe.
Following a runway overflight to allow ground inspection, the crew proceeded with the landing, which was completed safely. Investigators later determined that the issue was caused by a faulty indication rather than an actual landing gear malfunction. As a result, the investigation was discontinued.
No injuries were reported, and the incident highlighted the crew’s adherence to procedures and the effectiveness of precautionary measures in ensuring a safe outcome.
