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Landing gear failure leads to aircraft excursion at Wabag Airstrip (VH-BMD)

Wabag, Papua New GuineaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 18, 1954, an Avro 652 Anson (registration VH-BMD) operated by Papuan Air Transport - Patair was involved in an aviation accident near Wabag, Papua New Guinea during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collapse of the undercarriage during touchdown caused the aircraft to veer off the runway. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Dec 1954 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 18 Dec 1954 Avro 652 Anson accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Dec 1954 involved an 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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