University of Michigan Survival Flight - Non-injury incident

Date: February 10, 2007 2100 EST

Program: University of Michigan Survival Flight

Type: Citation II
Tail #: 435UM
Operator/Vendor: MarLin Air, Inc.

Weather: Clear. Not a factor

Team: No injuries reported. Patient on board. 

Description: 
	Just after lift off from Marquette, Michigan with a multiple trauma
	patient on-board, the crew was informed by the pilots that the
	landing gear was in the "locked down position" and would not retract.
	A decision was made among the medical crew and pilots to continue the
	transport after it was determined that it was completely safe to do
	so and that a lower altitude and slightly slower transport time would
	have no adverse effect on the patient outcome. Contingency plans were
	developed at that time taking under consideration fuel and distance
	to transport the patient with little or no delay in the overall
	transport.
	
	

Additional Info: 
	On inspection it was determined that there was a malfunction with the
	?squat switch? that registers weight on the landing gear thus
	overriding the ability to retract the gear. Due to ice buildup, the
	switch was frozen and subsequently registered weight on the landing
	gear despite being airborne. The malfunction was quickly identified
	and repaired. The aircraft was back in service shortly thereafter. 

Source: Denise Landis, Manager, Critical Care Transport

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