On Monday the right side main landing gear on a CL-415 air tanker failed while the aircraft was taxiing prior to taking off at the Ajaccio, Corsica airport. When the gear collapsed the right side wing dropped to the ground damaging the float and causing some fuel to spill from a damaged fuel tank.
There were no injuries to the crew of the air tanker but the airport was closed for several hours until the aircraft could be moved.
The entire fleet of twelve CL-415s in France are grounded until an inspection can determine the cause of the gear failure. Depending on the findings, inspections may be required on all of the aircraft.
Corsica is an island in the Mediterranean Sea belonging to France.
Below is a excerpt from a statement issued by Civil Security. It is roughly translated from French by Google:
The accident investigation office of Defense (CRDP), competent for state aircraft (…) triggered an investigation. Alongside technical survey is conducted in conjunction with the aircraft manufacturer, the Canadian company Bombardier.
Following these analyzes, which should take about 48 hours, Bombardier will determine whether it is necessary to carry out inspections on the landing gear of the Canadair fleet of civil security and in what protocol before allow the resumption of operations.
In addition to the CL-415 water scoopers, France also has access to S2-T and Dash 8 air tankers.
Thanks and a tip of the hat go out to Jerome and Jan.
2 Dash 8 Q400. 2000 Gallons Rads Tank (Mod By Conair)
9 S2A’s with PT6 turbines. 800 Gallons Tank/ 4 doors (Mod by Conair)