A Delta Air Lines Airbus A350-900 landed safely in Los Angeles after its crew reported hydraulic problems on approach. The aircraft, registration N524DN, was operating flight DL88 at the end of a long transpacific journey from Hong Kong.
What Happened on Approach to Los Angeles
According to The Aviation Herald, the crew reported hydraulic problems as the A350 neared its destination. Despite the fault, the aircraft continued its approach with its landing gear doors open.
The pilots then completed a safe landing on runway 25L. Afterwards, the A350 vacated the runway and stopped clear of it so emergency services could inspect the aircraft.
During that inspection in Los Angeles, the crew asked whether their flaps were still down. Emergency services confirmed that the wing flaps and the gear doors both remained extended. About 15 minutes later, the aircraft continued to the apron.
Why the Open Gear Doors Matter
The A350 uses two independent hydraulic systems, known as green and yellow, to move its flight controls, flaps, slats, landing gear and brakes. In addition, Airbus backs up the flight controls with electrically powered actuators.
Gear doors that stay open after landing often suggest that the crew lowered the landing gear by gravity. Pilots use this alternate method when normal hydraulic power for the gear is unavailable. However, the report does not confirm which system failed or how the crew extended the gear.
Aircraft Remains on the Ground in Los Angeles
The A350 was still on the ground in Los Angeles about 27 hours after landing, The Aviation Herald reported. So far, the report does not identify the cause of the hydraulic problem.
Meanwhile, the extended stay keeps one of Delta’s flagship widebodies out of its long haul rotation.
About N524DN
According to Planespotters.net, N524DN is 2.2 years old and carries manufacturer serial number 680. Airbus built the jet in Toulouse, where it flew under the test registration F-WZNP. The aircraft then ferried from Toulouse to Atlanta on 7 September 2024 and entered service on 20 September 2024.
The A350 wears fleet number 3524 and seats 275 passengers across 40 Delta One, 40 Premium Select and 195 main cabin seats. Two Trent XWB turbofans power the aircraft.
This is not the first time N524DN has made headlines. Previously, the aircraft encountered severe turbulence on approach to Sydney while operating DL41 from Los Angeles. Four flight attendants reported injuries, although inspections found no lasting structural damage, AeroXplorer reported.
Previous Hydraulic Trouble on Delta’s A350 Fleet
Equally, this is not the first hydraulic event on Delta’s A350 fleet. In November 2025, another A350-900 operating DL388 from Shanghai to Detroit diverted to Tokyo Haneda after a hydraulic problem at cruise, according to Aviation Safety Network and FlyMag.
The Aviation Hub will update this story as more details emerge from Los Angeles. For more emergency, accident and incident coverage, visit Squawk 7700.
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