A Viva Aerobus Airbus A320 aircraft suffered a gear failure while departing from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
According to the Flightradar24.com data, the incident occurred at 1.30 p.m. (UTC) on March 18, 2021. Viva Aerobus Airbus A320-200 jet, registered as XA-VAZ, was departing for a regular flight VB-4343 from Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) to Monterrey Airport (MTY), Mexico. The aircraft suffered a nose gear collapse when it was backtracking runway 22 preparing for departure and made a 180 degree turn to line up for takeoff.
VivaAerobus Airbus A320 (XA-VAZ, built 2005) experienced a nosegear collapse during line-up on runway 22 at Puerto Vallarta Airport (MMPR). All on flight #VIV4343 Monterrey remained unhurt. Airport was forced to close. @VivaAerobus @Aviationmex pic.twitter.com/BsUNEvFj3s
— JACDEC (@JacdecNew) March 18, 2021
Following the low-cost carrier’s safety procedures, the 127 passengers on board the jet were immediately evacuated via slides with no injuries reported. The travelers were transferred to another flight to MTY. Puerto Vallarta airport was temporarily closed due to the incident, the 15-year-old Airbus A320 was undergoing a maintenance check.
Having a total of 43 Airbus A320 Family aircraft with an average age of 4.5 years in service in the fleet, Viva Aerobus suffered the first landing gear failure in its operating history. According to the Aviation Herald data, the airline has had a few engine shutdowns, bird strikes, and a runway incursion since 2009.