DC-10 30
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Upon rotation at approximately 150 kt.; [the] crew heard a loud crack coming from behind us. With no noticeable effect on the flight following the sound; we continued and raised the gear. Completing the after-takeoff flow; the FO (First Officer); PM (Pilot Monitoring); pointed out [that] the left gear light above the gear handle was illuminated red. He checked the config synoptic and it also revealed a red indication. We talked to ATC and immediately slowed to 230 kt. and leveled off at 7000.We then ran the Gear Primary or Secondary Lt(s) Illuminate with [the] Gear Handle Up Checklist in the QRH. When directed; we lowered the gear to 4 green lights on both above the handle and the config page. When directed to raise; we received the same RED light for the left gear on both again. We recalled the Jumpseater; an active Aircraft X FO; to ask if he could see anything through the gear viewports. He returned saying he couldn't see anything conclusive. Next; we contacted operations and maintenance conttol via SATCOM. Maintenance finally replied with. 'We have no suggestions other than what the QRH directs.' Discussing the situation as a crew; we decided the most prudent decision would be to return to ZZZ. We contacted operations; then ATC; and proceeded to fly a visual backed up by the ILS to XXL. During approach; as we slowed below 200 kt.; the red gear light extinguished. We continued our approach; receiving all greens on the gear lights as they extended; [leading] to an uneventful landing. After taxi in; Maintenance notified us of a substantial crack in the left main gear door. Superior job by both the FO and the JS (Jumpseater). [The cause was a] material failure. [I suggest for] more maintenance inspections?
MD-10 Captain reported a loud bang on takeoff with a red indication for the landing gear and elected to return to the departure airport.