Student Pilot Lands Safely After Losing Landing Gear on Takeoff at Van Nuys

Emergency Landing After Gear Failure

• ✈️ A Cherokee 51 467 experienced a landing gear failure shortly after takeoff from runway 34 left at Van Nuys.
• ⚠️ Air traffic control observed that the right main gear appeared to have fallen off the aircraft, leaving only three components hanging.
• 🚨 The pilot was instructed to continue straight out and then enter a closed traffic pattern at 2000 feet to allow for assessment and preparation.

Air Traffic Control Coordination

• 📞 Controllers worked to retrieve the detached landing gear from the runway to ensure safety for subsequent operations.
• 🗺️ The pilot was guided through a box pattern west of the airport to maintain a safe altitude and position while the situation was managed.
• 🚁 Ground operations and tower controllers collaborated to assess the aircraft's condition, confirm the missing gear, and prepare for an emergency landing.

Safe Landing and Aftermath

• 🧑‍✈️ After a low approach for better assessment, the pilot decided to attempt a landing on runway 34 left.
• 🤝 Air traffic control provided specific advice, including using left rudder and applying left brakes upon touchdown to maintain control.
• ✅ The student pilot executed a remarkably stable landing, described by observers as one of the best of the day, despite the stressful situation.
• 👏 Following the landing, emergency vehicles approached the aircraft to ensure the pilot's well-being, who reported feeling good but a little stressed.