Landing gear failure leads to aircraft excursion at Wabag Airstrip

No fatalities • Wabag, Papua New Guinea • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine aircraft sustained heavy damage after its undercarriage collapsed during an arrival at Wabag Airstrip.

What happened

During the landing phase at Wabag Airstrip, a twin engine aircraft experienced a mechanical failure when the undercarriage collapsed. This structural failure caused the aircraft to lose directional control immediately following touchdown. As a result of the collapse, the plane veered away from the active runway and exited the paved surface.

The aircraft eventually came to a complete stop off the runway. While the incident resulted in significant damage to the airframe, there were no casualties reported among those on board. Due to the extent of the structural impact, the aircraft was declared a total loss and determined to be beyond repair.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the accident was the failure of the landing gear mechanism during the landing sequence.

Probable cause

The collapse of the undercarriage during touchdown caused the aircraft to veer off the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1954-12-18 Avro 652 Anson accident near Wabag, Papua New Guinea?

A twin-engine aircraft sustained heavy damage after its undercarriage collapsed during an arrival at Wabag Airstrip.

Were there any fatalities in the 1954-12-18 Avro 652 Anson accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1954-12-18 involved a Avro 652 Anson, registration VH-BMD, operated by Papuan Air Transport - Patair, at Wabag, Papua New Guinea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collapse of the undercarriage during touchdown caused the aircraft to veer off the runway.

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