A Floatplane's Gear Problem Shuts Down Boise's Runway

A Cessna 180 floatplane's landing-gear warning turned Boise Airport's runway into a blocked obstacle for a stretch of the afternoon — even though the airplane itself landed without incident.

An Amphibian With a Gear Question

This particular Cessna 180 is an amphibian — fitted with floats that also incorporate retractable wheels, letting it operate from both water and paved runways. That dual-gear system is mechanically more complex than a standard wheeled aircraft's landing gear, with more that can trigger an indication problem even when the gear itself is functioning correctly.

Working the Approach

The pilot called Boise Approach about 16 miles out, initially without a transponder code showing, and reported the gear indication problem. Controllers worked the aircraft in for a landing on Runway 28L rather than treating an indication problem alone as grounds to hold the aircraft off — an indication fault and an actual gear failure are different things, and the approach and landing proceeded as a normal, if closely monitored, arrival.

Landing Safely, Then Getting Stuck

The aircraft landed without incident — but then became disabled at the end of the runway, blocking it for other traffic. A landing gear that indicates a problem and then, after touchdown, actually prevents the aircraft from taxiing clear under its own power points to a real mechanical issue having been present after all, even if it didn't prevent a safe landing.

Ripple Effects

With the runway blocked, arriving flights were diverted to other airports until the aircraft could be moved and the runway inspected for any damage. Once cleared, Boise Airport reopened and normal operations resumed.

This reconstruction was researched from official investigation records where they exist, the original air traffic control recording, and contemporary reporting. The aircraft movement, timeline and written account were assembled independently by Flight Follower. Where an investigation is open or no probable cause has been published, the account says so rather than offering one.

Timeline

Accident Facts

Sources

• Idaho News (idahonews.com), "Boise Airport runway reopens after landing gear issue temporarily stopped flights"
• NewsBreak, "Disabled plane on runway causes delays, diverted flights at Boise Airport"