MD-83
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Maintenance Action
Human Factors; Procedure; Aircraft
I received a phone call from the Chief Pilot regarding the discovery of worn gear door skid plates during preflight by a crewmember. Apparently; Maintenance had not done a thorough check of the aircraft after we had turned over the aircraft at the gate following the emergency landing. During the downwind leg following the low approach and go around after initial discovery of right main gear down indication light; I specifically requested from Tower that Maintenance be advised of our emergency status and requested Maintenance be standing by with gear pins for pinning the gear and a tug and tow bar in the event we would have to be towed from the runway. After turning final and no positive indication of right main gear down; the decision was made to use the emergency extension gear lever. We now were low on fuel and on short final for landing. We left the emergency gear handle in the extended position which meant the main gear doors would be open for landing and would drag the ground. Landing proved to be uneventful. ARFF took control of the situation after we came to a full stop and checked out the aircraft. I called Maintenance after not seeing or hearing any input from them. We then held our position on the runway for 20 minutes awaiting maintenance arrival. We left both engines running and the emergency extension gear handle in the up position (extended). After Maintenance arrival; cockpit to maintenance personnel communication was done via the Captain's window. The landing gear safety pins were passed from the cockpit to the ground via Captain's window. After all gear was pinned; Maintenance told the Captain to stow the emergency extension gear handle to retract the landing gear doors. I stowed the emergency extension gear handle upon the Captain's command. The aircraft was then taxied to the gate without incident. Maintenance specialist informed us the aircraft was out of service and they were taking possession as is. We were told the spare aircraft was awaiting us and I packed my bags for the gate change and was not involved with any further maintenance discussions or logbook entries.
MD83 First Officer describes his role in a landing with the gear doors open resulting in gear door skid plate abrasion that is not addressed by Maintenance prior to the next preflight.