How Tool Mismanagement Contributed to the Delta 717 Landing Incident — and How to Prevent It

A recent incident involving a Delta Boeing 717, which experienced a gear-up landing in Charlotte, has been linked to tool damage during prior maintenance work. This event underscores the critical importance of effective tool tracking and management in aviation maintenance operations.

Investigators found that a damaged component, traced back to a maintenance tool mishap, contributed to the gear malfunction. Even minor oversights—such as a misplaced, damaged, or unaccounted-for tool—can escalate into serious safety risks and major operational disruptions. In a highly regulated and safety-critical industry like aviation, incidents like these highlight that robust tool control measures are not just best practices—they are essential for maintaining safety and operational continuity.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will mandate repetitive inspections aimed at preventing the type of failure that caused a Delta Air Lines Boeing 717 to land without its nose gear in June 2023. According to the FAA’s proposed directive, scheduled for publication on April 29, the incident was traced to tool-related surface damage incurred during maintenance. The new requirements will focus on identifying and mitigating such damage early, emphasising the critical need for rigorous tool control and inspection procedures across aviation maintenance operations.

The SmartSpace Solution

At Ubisense, we recognise that preventing such incidents starts with empowering maintenance teams with better visibility and accountability. Our Tool Tracking Solutions use advanced real-time location systems (RTLS) to monitor tools in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) environments. By providing precise, real-time insight into tool movement and usage, SmartSpace solutions help aviation professionals ensure that every tool is exactly where it should be—intact, accounted for, and ready for use.

Effective tool tracking does more than protect equipment and ensure compliance—it protects lives. As the aviation sector faces increasing pressure to optimise maintenance processes without compromising safety, investing in next-generation location intelligence becomes critical. Systems like SmartSpace allow teams to detect anomalies early, prevent costly errors, and foster a culture of operational excellence.

The Delta 717 incident serves as a powerful reminder: aviation safety doesn’t just happen in the skies—it begins on the ground, with every wrench, screwdriver, and calibration tool properly managed and controlled.

For a detailed report on the Delta 717 gear-up landing investigation, see the full article on AviationWeek.