We all know that Hawaiian Airlines is still in love with its 20-year-old fleet of Boeing 717 interisland planes. We’ve heard that from them and their executive teams for years. Today’s event brought that love home.
While this terrifying landing (that turned out safely for all) happened to a Delta Airlines Boeing 717-200, it was still very close to us Hawaii travel buffs. Hawaiian is the only other airline in the U.S. that flies this old plane. Hawaiian will be replacing their interisland fleet in the near future, as is Delta, but clearly, these will still be missed here in Hawaii.
The 22 1/2-year-old plane (N955AT) was flying flight DL1092 from Atlanta to Charlotte with 104 passengers and crew, approaching CLT for the planned landing on runway 36L.
It started with an unsafe nosegear notification.
The crew initiated a go-around and returned to 4,000 feet, where they held and worked the checklists. Still unable to resolve the nosewheel issue, the crew declared an emergency and requested that emergency services be put on standby. The 717 then made a “low approach” to the runway and went around again to land.
Miraculously, the aircraft landed successfully without a nose gear, extended some 12 minutes after their 2nd go-around and over 30 minutes after the initial discovery of the problem. The aircraft stopped on the runway on the plane’s nose, plus the main landing gear. No one was injured!
A unique, quality plane for a unique job at Hawaiian.
Waxing nostalgic, we still remember when these were brand new and we first flew them. They were a vast and exciting upgrade to Hawaiian’s then-well-aged DC9-30.
Hawaiian has always said that these planes and their needs are a virtual match made in heaven. The 717 fleet was well designed for service on Hawaiian’s short, frequent milk-runs to airports with shorter runways.
Our pilot friends at Hawaiian Airlines absolutely swear by aircraft manufactured by Douglas.
This plane was to have been a McDonell Douglas MD-95. It was rebranded as the Boeing 717 as a result of McDonnell Douglas being acquired by Boeing.
McDonnell Douglas developed the plane to be a modern, fuel-efficient twinjet aircraft to replace the earlier DC-9, focusing on the regional market.
Boeing later decided to rebrand the plane to maintain consistency, help with marketing, and bring it in line with 737, 747, 757, 767, etc.
Boeing did become responsible for the plane’s marketing and manufacturing, but the design is that of McDonnell Douglas.
Read Hawaiian Airlines: Four Different Mainland/Hawaii Aircraft? Fascinating Developments.
Another reason the 717 has been such a fine aircraft is the economics of operation, and service reliability. Of course as the fleet ages, just like an older automobile, the economics change. What do you think Hawaiian will use to replace the 717? Airbus A-220? Boeing Max-7? Would love to hear from others with a great deal more knowledge.
What makes the McDonnell Douglas a favorite among HA pilot friends?
Hi Merdi.
Maybe they’ll chime in for themselves. Words we’ve heard them use include quality, durability, reliability, maintainability.
Aloha.
Saw that landing last night, incredible pilot skill and response. The 717 is a great aircraft.
btw guys, really like your new format!
Hi Maleko.
Thanks! More on that to come.
Yes pilots have always said how much they love the MD planes.
Aloha.
I still love the 717! Great for interisland travel.
I flew on the original DC-9s, later MD-80 ,MD-93, and of course the 717. I think the 2-3 seating that was used by most airlines, including Hawaiian is quite reasonable for the type of trips.