The story of Gulfstream GV N777TY

• Mechanics put popsicle sticks in the squat switches during maintenance (to put the plane “on the ground”, for troubleshooting, while on jacks).
• Mechanics forgot to remove the popsicle sticks.
• The pilots missed it on Preflight Inspection.
• The plane took off. Everything was out of whack so they went around for landing.
• At flare-out (60 ft. above the runway) the pilot brought the throttles back to idle.
• Because the plane thought it was still on the ground the spoilers deployed (all 6 of them).
• The plane slammed on the runway so hard the MLG (main landing gear) were pushed through the wings.

MORAL OF THE STORY

• PUT RED FLAGS ON YOUR POPSICLE STICKS!
• Or, use the recommended Ground/Flight Simulation Set.