What happened
During a transpacific flight arriving at Tokyo-Haneda, the Clipper Australia aircraft was performing standard procedures for its approach. After the crew extended the landing gear and confirmed the presence of three green lights on the instrument panel, the flight crew reduced engine power in preparation for touchdown. During this phase, a red warning light illuminated alongside an audible gear unsafe warning horn.
The pilot attempted to execute a go-around procedure; however, the aircraft's airspeed had dropped too low to safely climb. In response to the mechanical issue, the landing gear was retracted. The crew subsequently performed a belly landing on the runway. Although all 59 occupants were evacuated from the plane without injury, the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
Findings
- The primary issue involved a malfunction in the landing gear system indicated by an unsafe warning light and horn.
- Insufficient airspeed during the go-around attempt prevented the crew from successfully climbing away from the runway.