Incident Details
While approaching Bagram Air Force Base, the crew lowered the landing gear but did not receive the standard three green lights. The indicator for the left main gear remained red.
Low Passes and Landing
The captain obtained authorization to perform two low passes over the airport. During these passes, air traffic control confirmed that all three landing gears appeared to be down. The crew then completed a final approach at low speed. After touchdown, while applying brakes, the left main gear collapsed.
Aftermath
The aircraft veered to the left off the runway and came to rest approximately 2 kilometers past the runway threshold. All five crew members were unhurt, but the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Investigation Findings
According to official findings, the probable cause was cracks resulting from fatigue, which led to fracture of the hinge arm of the left main gear strut. The cracking likely occurred due to corrosion that remained undetected during the last maintenance inspection. The origin of pitting could not be identified, but the investigation identified deficiencies in the maintenance task conducted during the last overhaul of the gear strut. Incomplete maintenance documentation and tools available during the overhaul contributed to the accident.