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Twin-Engine Aircraft Crash Landing After Undercarriage Collapse (N79R)

Chicago-O'Hare, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On August 8, 1978, a Beechcraft D18 (registration N79R) operated by Blackhawk Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Chicago-O'Hare, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Gear collapsed upon landing following a hard landing due to improper level off and improper recovery from bounced landing. Overload failure was a contributing factor. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crash-landed after a hard landing and undercarriage collapse. The sole pilot was unhurt. The official probable cause was a hard landing due to improper level off and recovery.

Incident Overview and Outcome A twin-engine aircraft experienced a hard landing that resulted in a crash landing after the undercarriage collapsed. The aircraft bounced several times before the final impact. The pilot, who was the sole person on board, was reported unhurt. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, date, or location. ## Official Probable Cause The official investigation identified the probable cause as gear collapse upon landing following a hard landing. The hard landing was attributed to an improper level off and an improper recovery from a bounced landing. Overload failure was listed as a contributing factor.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Aug 1978 Beechcraft D18 accident near Chicago-O'Hare, United States of America?

A twin-engine aircraft crash-landed after a hard landing and undercarriage collapse. The sole pilot was unhurt. The official probable cause was a hard landing due to improper level off and recovery.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Aug 1978 Beechcraft D18 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Aug 1978 involved a Beechcraft D18, registration N79R, operated by Blackhawk Airways, at Chicago-O'Hare, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Gear collapsed upon landing following a hard landing due to improper level off and improper recovery from bounced landing. Overload failure was a contributing factor.

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