Brake failure leads to undercarriage retraction and belly landing

No fatalities • Kenley AFB, United Kingdom • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a brake malfunction following touchdown, resulting in the pilot retracting the landing gear and causing the plane to slide on its fuselage.

What happened

Upon completing the landing phase and making contact with the runway, the pilot-in-command faced significant challenges in reducing the aircraft's speed. In an attempt to manage the situation, the pilot made the decision to raise the undercarriage while the plane was still on the ground.

As a result of this action, the aircraft type impacted the runway surface on its belly. The vessel continued to slide across the terrain for several yards before the motion finally ceased. Although the impact and subsequent sliding caused damage that rendered the aircraft a total loss, there were zero fatalities and no injuries reported among the crew members.

Findings

Investigations into the incident concluded that the primary reason the aircraft could not decelerate normally was due to a failure of the braking system immediately following touchdown.

Probable cause

The landing gear was retracted after a failure in the braking system prevented the aircraft from slowing down effectively.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1951-11-30 Avro 652 Anson accident near Kenley AFB, United Kingdom?

An aircraft experienced a brake malfunction following touchdown, resulting in the pilot retracting the landing gear and causing the plane to slide on its fuselage.

Were there any fatalities in the 1951-11-30 Avro 652 Anson accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1951-11-30 involved a Avro 652 Anson, registration PH768, operated by Royal Air Force - RAF, at Kenley AFB, United Kingdom.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The landing gear was retracted after a failure in the braking system prevented the aircraft from slowing down effectively.

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